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PRICE 25 CENTS 




Strknge Secret. 

By SYLVANUS COBB, jR. 


AUTHOR OF THE 


“GUNMAKER OF MOSCOW,” 

<<IVAN THE SERF,” Etc., Etc. 

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A ^Tipi^E SECRET, 


A Story of llie American Revolution. 


BY SYLVANUS COBB, jR., 

^Author OF “The Gunmaker of Moscow,” 

"IVAN, THE SEItF,” ETC., ETC. 

n 

a 


Copyright 1889, by J. S. Ogilvie. 



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62. A Young Vagabond. by Z. R. %nnett. 


A STRANGE SECRET, 


CHAPTER I. 

THE YOUNG PATRIOT. 

The year of our Lord 1775 had dawned upon the 
American colonies, and it found them upon the eve of 
their Revolution — upon the eve of that struggle which 
has since filled the noblest page in the history of 
nations — a struggle which owed its nobleness to the • 
right and justice which gave it birth, and thehol^^ zeal 
of the brave hearts that carried it through the bright 
victory track that God had marked out for it. The 
coast and bay of Massachusetts were at this time the 
theater of the movements upon which Lung the desti- 
nies of a nation. The British army was quartered in 
Boston, while a naval force was in the harbor, and from 
this point the king’s troops scouted forth as occasion 
might require. Their track was marked by an^^thing 
but soldier-like deeds, and their trophies were more 
befitting the outlawed bandit than the trained soldier. 
The people of the colonies had now become thoroughly 
divided on the great question of their political rela- 
tions. There were no half-way opinions now — they 
were either loyalists or patriots ; and though the latter 


4 


/ ■ ■ : ■■ ^ 

THE YOUNG PATRIOT. 

may have had no fixed plans for the future, yet they 
were indignant at the presence of the tyrant’s troops, 
and the^^ were ready for any plan that might he devised 
for the removal of the evil. 

It was on a Sahhath afternoon — the twenty-sixth of 
February. The day had been remarkably pleasant for 
the season of the year, and though the ground was 
mostly covered with snow, yet the air was mild, and 
the sunbeams lay warmly upon the winter-clad earth. 
The good people of Salem were returning from church. 
Apart from the rest, and walking very slowly, was a 
girl who had been one of the last to leave the house of 
worship. She was a fair creature, not over twenty 
years of age, with a countenance full of loving simplic- 
ity and kindness. Her eyes were of a dark blue, and 
the few ringlets that escaped from beneath her closely- 
fitting bonnet were glossy auburn. Her dress seemed 
to indicate that she was wealthy, for it was of rare and 
costty material ; but yet those who passed her gazed^ 
earnestly into her face, and there was certainly much 
of pity in their look. They gazed sympathizingly upon 
the beautiful girl, and when they had gazed, they 
turned to their companions and spoke in low tones of 
her whom they had passed. 

Such was Olivia Trevett ; and those in Salem who 
knew her, knew her for her goodness as well as for her 
beauty and accomplishments. She had not walked far 
from the church, when a quick footytep sounded behind 
her, and just as she was upon the point of turning her 
head, she heard her name pronounced. The speaker 


THE YOUNG PATRIOT. 


5 


was a young man, habited in the garb of a seaman, 
and his bearing, as well as the peculiar cut of his dress, 
bespoke him an officer. In age he might have been 
three-and-twenty, but in the bold lines of his frank 
countenance there were marks that would seem to 
make him older, but they were evidently only the 
marks of long and rough experience. He was of me- 
dium size in his frame, and at the first glance the ob- 
server would have noticed, nothing about his frame 
different from others ; but upon closer observation one 
would have noticed an uncommon thickness and breadth 
of chest. This muscular development, however, took 
nothing away from the symmetry of the young man’s 
form, but rather added to it in manl}^ beauty. 

Olivia,” he said, as he reached the girl’s side, ‘‘ did 
you. expect that I would meet with you to-day ?” His 
voice was low and tremulous, and his countenance was 
worked upon by considerable emotion. 

I hoped you would meet me,” replied the maiden, 
franklj^, and without hesitation. 

You did ? Ah, bless you, Olivia, for that,” con- 
tinued the youth with animation; and then, in a changed 
tone, as though some new thought had come over him, 
he added : It was for my sake you would see me?” 

Ay, Vincent ; for both yours and my own.” 

The young man cast his eyes about him, but there 
were none others near enough to overhear him. He 
returned his gaze upon the face of his companion, and 
in a lower tone than he had before used, he said ; 

You loye me yet, Olivia?’ - 


6 


THE YOUNG PATRIOT. 


“ Yes — j^es.” 

“ O, I knew you would not forget me. Ah, Olivia, 
I cannot tell you how much of joy I have derived from 
that simple assurance. It has been with me through 
storm and through tempest— in my day-walks and in 
my night-w'atch, and now I have come home to find 
that my love has been true. You have thought of me 
often, Olivia ?” 

“ Yes, very often.” 

“ And now about your father,” continued Vincent 
Gray, in an anxious tone. “ How do you think he will 
receive me ?” 

“ Alas,” returned the maiden, while her voice trem- 
bled, “ he is worse than ever before. He even forbids 
me now from mixing in the society where I used to 
spend .much of social time. He grov's more and more 
morose every day.” 

“ But he does not really ill treat you ?” 

“Not personally; but he has almost shut me out 
from society. He will not allow me from his sight if 
he can help it. He allows me to attend church on the 
Sabbath, and that is about all.” 

“ But how about myself ?” asked Vincent. 

“ I dare not even mention your name in his presence,” 
returned Olivia, with a show of sadness which she 
could not repress. “ When I chance to speak of you, 
he instantly turns pale, and threatens some dire re- 
venge if you ever cross his path again.” 

“I know he always treated me slightingly, and yet, I 
gee not why he should have aone so, My father, while 


THE YOJJNa PATRIOT. 


7 


he lived, was his best friend ; surel}" I have never given 
him occasion to think ill of me. In this last cruise I 
have done well for your father. I have taken his ship 
safely home from the Indies, and though I have per- 
formed the duties of commander for more than half 
the cruise, yet I only take my pay as second officer. 
In everything I have been honorable and upright, and 
have never failed to look well to my emplo^^er’s in- 
terests.” 

I know all that, Vincent ; and so does my father 
know it ; and for that very reason is he the more bitter 
against you. 

I see not why that should be,” said the young man, 
with a puzzled look. 

Then I will tell you,” resumed Olivia, with a slight 
hesitation in her tone. father is determined 

that you shall not be my husband, and the fact that 
you are so well worth^^ of my hand, leaves him with- 
out any other pretext than such as he can bring from 
his strained prejudices.” 

For some distance the two walked on in silence. 
What the young man had heard made him thoughtful. 
Vincent Gray was an orphan, and at an early age he 
had commenced to follow the sea as a profession. His 
father had formerly been a warm friend of Mr.Trevett, 
and hence he had entered the service of the latter gentle^ 
man shortly after his father’s death. Trevett had 
grown rich on the results of his mercantile pursuits ; 
but yet Vincent Gray had not hesitated to love his 
bea^utiful daug*hter, and the tendency of thi^s love was 


THE YOUNG PATRIOT. 


by no means checked when the j^oung- man discovered 
that his love was reciprocated. Vincent could 
now remember that old Trevett always treated him 
with uniform kindness until the first signs were de- 
veloped of the love which sprang up between the two 
young hearts ; but from that moment the old man had 
been changed towards him. 

Vincent had just returned fi’om the Indies, having 
commanded the ship on the homewardbound passage, 
and this was his first meeting with Olivia since his 
return. 

“ I must see your father,” he at length said, in a de- 
termined tone. “ I will tell him of our love, and if he 
is a man, he will not cast me off without some cause. 
Even a father has no moral right to make a child need- 
lessly unhappj^ ” 

Just as Vincent spoke, and before the maiden had 
chance to reply, the companions were startled hj'- a loud 
noise ahead of them — a noise which seemed to proceed 
from towards the North Biidge. While the young man 
was trying to make out the occasion of the disturbance, 
he saw a man running toAvards him in all haste, and of 
him Vincent asked the reason of the noise. 

“ The British have come to take our stores,” hastily 
cried the man. “They are on the other side of the 
bridge, and there is likely to be a fight.” 

As the messenger spoke he fled on with his errand, 
find Vincent turned towards his companion, 

“ You must hasten home, Olivia,” he said. “ Hasten, 
home at once, for I must go down to the bridge.” 


THE YOUNG PATRIOT. 


9 


‘‘ You will not expose yourself to danger,” earnestly 
entreated the maiden. 

^^hfo, no. But I must go, for there’s trouble brew- 
ing. Haste thee home, dearest. I will see thee again.” 

With another anxious admonition to her lover to be 
careful of himself, the maiden turned her steps forward, 
and Vincent hurried away towards the bridge. When 
he reached the spot, he found that the draw of the 
bridge was raised, and that a British colonel with a 
bod3^ of soldiers washipon the other side. A large body 
of the citizens had collected, and the patriots seemed 
determined to resist the passage of the troops. The 
military stores were upon the north side of the bridge, 
and Colonel Leslie, who commanded the soldiers, de- 
manded a passage ; but it was stoutly refused. As 
there was no passing the bridge, the soldiers made a 
movement towards two large gondolas that lay in the 
stream ; but here they were again baffled, for the 
owners of the boats leaped into them, and began to 
scuttle them. The soldiers tried to prevent this, and 
the result was a general melee. The patriots leaped 
down to the assistance of the boatmen, and the British 
fixed their bayonets, and made a charge. Several of 
the Americans were Avounded, but none were killed, and 
before matters became more serious, the old clergy- 
man appeared upon the spot, and the result was, that 
a compromise was effected. Colonel Leslie saw that 
the patriots were rapidly collecting, and to avoid 
further trouble he pledged himself that if he were 
allowed to cross the bridge he would not trouble any^^. 


10 


THE YOUNG PATRIOT. 


thing* 1)63^011(1 it. The draw was lowered, and the 
soldiers passed over, and then,, without molestation, 
they passed back again, and just as they started to 
leave the town, the patriot minute men began to as- 
semble upon the ground, one compan3^ having come 
from as far as Danvers. 

When Vincent Gray turned from the bridge, he 
stopped at a point where a part3^ had collected about 
the person of a 3"oung man who had been seriously 
wounded. The poor fellow v/as groaning with pain, 
and though a physician who happened to be present 
assured the people that there Avas no mortal danger, 
3"et they trembled with apprehension. 

That blood comes from a patriot heart,’’ said one. 
added another, ^‘and ’twas British steel that 
let it out.” 

An in voluntar3^ movement of indignation ran through 
the crowd, and long after the wounded 3muth had been 
carried to his home, the people remained b}^ the bridge 
and talked over the affair. But upon none did it make 
a deeper impression than upon Vincent Gray, When 
he turned tmvards his abiding place his soul was 
wrought upon by fierce emotions. He had seen the 
patriot’s blood spilled by the foe — he had seen the 
hireling soldiers of the t3U"ant king trampling* upon 
the dearest liberties of his countr3unen, and from that 
moment his life was pledged by an oath to the cause 
of that liberty Avhich all true-hearted Americans 
pra3^ed and hoped for. 


CHAPTER II. 

THE man-of-war’s PASSENGER. 

On the morning' following the event of the British 
troops at Salem the people were aroused at an early 
hour by the booming of a heavy gun at the mouth of 
the harbor, and on hastening down to the wharves 
they were not a little astonished at seeing two heavy 
English men-of-war just coming to off the harbor. 
At first the people were alarmed, and after more 
mature thought they quieted their fears and watched 
the movements of the ships. They were both of them 
standing slowly down towards the capes of Marble- 
head under their flying-jibs, w'itli their courses hang- 
ing in the buntlines, and their topsails merely drawn 
up by the clews. Ere long the ship farthest astern 
fired another gun, and at the same time a signal was 
seen to wave from her poop. 

“ She wants a boat to come off,” said an old man, 
who stood upon one of the wharves. “ That’s what 
she’s firing for.” 

“Ah,” added Vincent Gray, who stood near at 
hand, “ that is surely what the fellow wants. Here, 
boys, let’s put off one of our boats and go out.” 

He turned to three of his men as he spoke— men 
'yvho belonged to Us ship— and they quickly agreed to 


12 


THE man-of-war’s PASSENGER. 


go with him. A fourth man was easily obtained, and, 
having leaped into the boat with the crew, our hero 
put off for the man-of-war which had fired the gun. 
There was an expression of wonderment among the 
men as to what could be the design of the ships in 
thus stopping, and though Vincent shared in the feel- 
ing, yet he expressed no opinion upon it. 

When he reached the ship, he brought his boat up 
under the starboard quarter, and an officer from the 
deck hailed him. 

Can you take a passenger on shore ?” asked the 
officer. 

Ay,” returned Vincent. 

Then haul up to the gangway, and we’ll send him 
down.” 

Vincent accordingly hauled his boat up, and shortly 
afterwards the passenger appeared over the gangway, 
the man-ropes having been thrown over for his accom- 
modation. He was a young man, apparent^ about 
four-and-twenty years of age, with dark broAvn hair 
and blue eyes, not very stout in his build, but possess- 
ing much manly beaut3^, together with a good degree 
of firmness and resolution in the form and expression 
of his countenance. Vincent Gray was at once pre- 
disposed in his favor, and he received him with a kind 
greeting as he came aft. After the young man had 
come down, a heav^^ chest was lowered into the boat, 
and then Vincent was told that he might shove off. 
The captain of the Englishman very kindl^^ bade the 
young passenger farewell and in conclusion he said : 


THE man-of-war’s PASSENGER. 


13 


We may never meet again, Edward. I have 
somewhat overstepped my orders in putting in here to 
put you on shore ; hut it is the last kindness I may 
ever have the chance to do you, and I trust that you 
may prosper.’’ 

I thank you kindly, Captain Montague,” returned 
the young* man. From the bottom of my heart I 
thank you ; and if we never meet again, I can only 
assure you that b 3 ^ me you will ever be held in grate- 
ful remembrance. Adieu.” 

The captain again said the W' ord of parting, and in a 
moment more the boat was rowed away from the shii3. 
Shortly after this both the ships made sail and stood 
towards Boston. 

When Vincent turned towards his passenger, after 
they had left the ship, he noticed that there were big 
drops in his eyes, and from this a new feeling of sym- 
pathy was awakened in his bosom. The young stranger 
gazed long after the receding ships, and when he could 
see them no more he wiped his eyes, and turned his 
gaze towards the town he was approaching. 

What part of Salem do you wish to visit?” asked 
Vincent. 

None in particular,” returned the ^mung man. 

^^Then you have no friends here?” continued Vin- 
cent. 

Friends ?” iterated the passenger, in a tone of 
strange sadness. 

Some acquaintance,” suggested aur hero ; for I 
can land you wdierever you may wish.’’ 


14 THE man-of-war’s PASSENGER. 

“ I am not acquainted here, sir. I onlj' seek for the 
present some place where I can And a home — some 
well-arranged inn where money will find me an abid- 
ing place.” 

“ Then if such is your wish you can stop at the same 
inn as myself,” said Vincent. “ I have found it to be 
the best in the town, and I think you will be suited in 
the accommodations.” 

“ Thank you, sir. That is the best I could wash. If 
you have no objection I will accompany you there at 
once.” 

Of course Vincent assented, and he did it with a 
peculiar gratification, too, for he had seen just enough 
of his companion to wish to know more of liim. He 
thought it strange that the young man should have 
been at so much trouble to be landed here, and yet be 
an entire stranger in the place. But it was not alto- 
gether the strangeness of his coming that made him 
curious ; there was something in his very appearance 
•and manner that was calculated to excite attention 
and curiosity. 

When the boat reached the wharf the people who 
had stood there watching the movements of the ships 
and the boats, gathered about the spot, and Vincent 
was literally overwhelmed with questions ; but lie 
merely stated that there was a passenger on boat’d of 
one of the ships who wished to land, and further than 
that he knew of nothing to tell. Whilst one of Vin- 
cent’s men went for a barrow upon which to carry the 
passenger’s chest, the older portion of the people 


I’HE MAN-OF-WAR'S PASSENGER. 


15 


busied themselves in asking the young stranger all 
sorts of questions — hut his answers were short and 
pointless, and by the time the man came with the 
barrow, he had been given up as a hopeless case of 
laconicism. 

“ It’s so fired strange, anyhow,” muttered one, 
“ that two British seventy-fours should ’ave put in 
here just to land a passenger.” 

“ So ’tis,’’ added a second. “ Blow me, if there ai’nt 
sumthin’ in it.” 

“ Just my idee,” chimed in a third, with more than 
common shrewdness. “ S’pose ’em ships would ’ave 
put in here just to land a single man if there wasn’t 
sumthin’ in it ? No, not by a plaguey sight. Depend 
upon it, there's sumthin' in it!” 

By the time this last “ idee ” was advanced, Vincent 
and his passenger had started to leave the place, and 
those who stood upon the whai'f watched them till 
they had passed from sight. 

“ You mustn’t think hard of my countiymen if they 
appear a little booi’ish,” said Vincent, with a smile. 
“ The fact is, these are times of peculiar excitement, 
and the movements of the British are narrowly 
watched and quickly suspected. Your coming was 
strange, and in the present state of affairs I do not 
wonder that it should excite remark, at least.” 

“ 0, of course,” returned the young man ; “ I expect 
all that; but jmu speak as though there was trouble.” 

“ Ay — and so there is,” returned Vincent. “ Trouble 
enough, I ween. The people of these colonies are be- 


16 THE man-of-war’s PASSENGER. 

ginning to tire of the insolent presence of these British 
troops.’’ 

1 do not wonder/’ said the other, in a frank tone. 

They certainly have no business here. But you do 
not mean that there has as yet been any open trouble.” 

Yes, there has. In this very town there was blood 
spilled last night. British troops were sent here to 
seize upon our stores, and they were resisted. Ah, let 
me tell you, sir, that this state of things cannot last 
much longer. Either the English king must withdraw 
his troops and concede to the reasonable demands of 
the colonies, or else — ” 

^^What?” asked the young stranger, with a look 
and tone of interest, as Vincent hesitated. 

Else the colonies will make their own bargain, even 
at the point of the bayonet.” 

Gray spoke in a low, firm tone, and the deep flash 
of his black eyes told that he felt what he said — that 
the sentiment which he uttered was not taken from 
the voice of others, but that it had its rise in his own 
bosom. 

^^Well,” thoughtfully murmured his companion, 
after a few moments of silence, I do not know but 
that it is all for the best that it should be as it is. I 
may make it my home in America, and if I adopt the 
countr}^ I must give my heart to her interests.” 

And these interests,” added Vincent, in a low, 
thrilling tone, ^^are liberty and nationality !” 

And I pray to God that America may possess 
them.” 


■ 


THP MAN-OF-WAR"S PASSENGER. 17 

Young Gray seized liis companion by the hand as 
lie heard this generous sentiment. The cord that 
bound his sympathies to the stranger was strength- 
ened anew, and he felt sure that he had found a con- 
genial heart and soul. 

When the two reached the inn where Vincent made 
it his home, the young stranger entered his name as 
Edward Thayer. 

He selected a room adjoining that of Vincent, and 
thither he had his chest conveyed. After this Vincent 
Gray went down to the wharf where his ship laj^, and 
attended to the removal of the last part of her cargo. 
After the ship was cleared, Vincent called the men 
about him, and informed them that for the present the 
vessel would not go to sea again. 

And now,’’ said he, I have something of import- 
ance to communicate to ^mu. I know that I may trust 
you, and that, if you do not join me, you will not 
betray me. You know that the British cruisers are 
committing all sorts of depredations upon our colonial 
vessels, and I know that the sentiments of our country- 
men will sustain us in resisting the outrage. If I can 
possibly get a vessel, I shall set forth upon the broad 
track we have just left, on my own responsibility. I 
mean to strike a blow for the liberty of the colonies. 
How many of you will join me ?” 

There was but one answer from the brave seamen 
who stood upon the ship’s deck. They pledged them- 
selves to a man that they would join the young hero 
heart and hand. 


18 THE MAN-OF-WAR^S PASSENGER. 

Again Vincent enjoined upon the men that they 
should he secret about the matter, and when he turned 
his steps towards his inn once more, he had full}^ re- 
solved that he would seize the first opportunity to 
possess himself of an armed vessel, and to raise the 
flag of defiance to the foe. 


CHAPTER III. 


• MICAH TREVETT. 

It was on the very evening succeeding the events 
just recorded that Vincent Gray went to the dwelling 
of Mr. Trevett. He was determined to see Olivia in 
her own home, and if her father was opposed to his 
visits, he wished to know it — not that he intended to 
he governed by the old man’s will, but could he but 
learn it, he might then better know how to govern 
himself. He found Olivia at home, and she at once 
conducted him to the sitting-room, where a warm fire 
was glowing upon the hearth. 

^^Your father is notin, then?” said Vincent, as he 
took a seat near the fire. 

No,” returned Olivia. He has gone to a meeting 
at the residence of Mr. Simon.” 

^^But that is a meeting of the royalists,” uttered 
Vincent, with considerable surprise in his manner. 

I know it,” answered the maiden. My father told 
me that they were going to take some measures to 
crush this spirit of rebellion among the people.” 

I knew not that your father belonged to that 
party.” 

Yes, Vincent ; he is a firm supporter of the king’s 
cause, and he hates all those who oppose the royal 
authority.” 


20 


MICAH TREVETT. 


The young man was silent for a few moments ; hut 
at length he said, in a tone made tremulous by deep 
anxiety : 

Pardon me, Olivia, but I must ask you one ques- 
tion, and I trust you will ansAver me plainly. How 
rest your SAunpathies in this case 

Do you notknoAv me Avell enough to tell that Avith- 
out asking said the fair girl, Avith a slight tinge of 
reproof in her tone. 

I think I do, Olivia. My OAvn confidence in your 
nobleness of soul tells me that your sympathies cannot 
be Avith your father’s.” 

Of course they cannot,” quickly and energetically 
replied Olivia. I love the cause of freedom too Avell 
to Avish for a tyrant’s rule. No, no— if to be a friend 
of the colonies, and to Avish them independent, consti- 
tutes a rebel, then Olivia Trevett is a rebel.” 

'^Spoken like yourself, dearest,” exclaimed the 
young man as he caught his companion by the hand. 

O, I shall love you more noAV that I know you are so 
fearlessly noble.” 

'' Not altogether fearless,” added Olivia. My 
father knoAvs not my real feelings, and I almost fear to 
have him find them out.” 

' ' And have you realty occasion to fear your father ?” 

Olivia raised her large blue eyes to the face of her 
lover, and two tears stood upon her long silken lashes. 

Alas !” she murmured, you knoAv not hoAV — ” 

The maiden hesitated, and after a moment’s thought, 
continued 


MICAH TREVETT. 


21 


will not speak of him now. He is not what he 
was, Vincent. I am not as happy as I used to he 
when I was ^munger.’’ 

The young man had too much delicacy of feeling to 
question Olivia further upon the subject of her father’s 
character, for he saw that it made her unhappy ; and 
besides, he could see enough to assure him that Tre- 
vett was far from being a kind parent. He was re- 
flecting upon this matter when a footfall was heard 
upon the door-stone and Olivia trembled as she noticed 
the step of her father. In a few moments more the 
man entered the room. 

Micah Trevett was a man between fifty and sixty 
years of age. In form he was somewhat tall, but his 
height was slightly lessened by a contracted roundness 
of shoulders. His countenance \ras one not easily to 
be read, for ah the first glance the practised physiogno- 
mist would have seen that the lines of his face were 
the results and marks of characteristics not his by 
nature. There was a peculiar look of moroseness 
about the expression of his face ; but then it had too 
much of restlessness about it to be really natural. In 
short, the very appearance of his countenance told 
that he was a man whose nature had been marked 
by extraneous circumstances. His eyes were keen and 
quick, and his hair was more silvery than is usual 
with those not yet threescore. 

When Micah Trevett entered the room, he appeared 
considerably surprised at seeing young Gray there, 
and there was a look of fear, too, mingled with that 


22 


MICAH TREVETT. 


surprise. Our hero had watched the old man’s coun- 
tenance narrowl}^, and he could not fail to see this fear 
mark, so plainly was it developed. 

•^Captain Gray,” he said, after he had recovered 
somewhat from his first emotions, at the same time 
advancing- towards where the ^mung man had risen to 
his feet, I did not expect to find you here. I under- 
stood, sir, that when 1113^ ship’s cargo was discharged 
our contract was at an end. I believe I have settled 
with you in all that relates to an}^ pecuniar}^ affairs 
between us.” 

Yes, sir,” returned Vincent, hardly knowing what 
answer to make. 

Then, sir, what can be the object of this visit ?” 

The 3"oung man was puzzled. He had not expected 
so abrupt a reception, and he was hardly prepared for 
for it. He cast a furtive glance upon Olivia, and he 
saw that she was pale and trembliug. Mr. Trevett 
noticed the direction of Vincent’s look, and he ordered 
his daughter to leave the room. The tone and manner 
of this command, and the look that accompanied it, 
together with the painful effect it had upon Olivia,, 
called a quick sensation of indignation to the bosom of 
Vincent, and his brow burned as he saw the maiden 
depart. 

Now, sir,” resumed the old man, after his child 
had gone, may I know the object of this visit ?” 

^'Mr. Trevett,” commenced Vincent, striving to 
keep back his justl^^ excited passions, I hardlj^ know 
how to interpret this reception. Are there no other 


MICAH TREVETT. 


23 


relations between us but tliose of mere business ? 
Does your heart hold no other tie but that which binds ’ 
it to 3' our money-box ? Can yon not conceive of other 
causes of friendship but such as result from busi- 
ness 

‘‘1 did not ask for your catechism, sir/’ coldly re- 
turned Trevett. ‘‘1 asked 3^ou a very simple 
question, and that question yon have not yet answer- 
ed. I wish to know the object of this visit.” 

Then, sir, I came as a friend to visit those whom I 
had reason to suppose w^ere my friends.” 

Very well,” said the old man, half sarcastically^ 
but 3^et Avith some hesitation; ^^that answer is fair 
enough ; and now I must inform 3^ou that 3"our visits 
are no longer desired. If yon have the feelings of a 
gentleman you will not trouble me again.” 

Then 3^ou Avould turn me away from 3^our doors ?” 
simply request that you will not enter them 
again.” 

^^Mr. Trevett, I have not expected this,” said the 
3mung man, in a firm, decided tone. Towards 3^ou I 
have ever been faithful and obliging, and 3' ou cannot 
say I have never been remiss in my dut3^” 

And for all that I have paid 3'OU according to con- 
tract. What more can 3^ou ask ?” 

To be treated as a man, to be received with that 
friendship which is due to me. M3^ father, when he 
lived, was one of 3mur firmest friends, and I am surely 
at a loss hoAv to read 3- our heart if 3"ou can thus easil3^ 
tear awa3" all the ties of that friendship now.” 


24 


MICAH TREVETT. 


Micah Trevett regarded the j^outli for some moments 
in silence. There was a look of bitterness upon his 
face, and his hands clutched upon the rail of the chair 
by his side. At length a slight gleam shone in his 
eyes, and with a peculiar look he said : 

“ That is all very fine, young sir ; but the truth lies 
yet behind. You have not told me all— you have not 
told me what I asked. You well know it is no friend- 
ship for me that brings you here. It is my daughter 
you are after !” 

It was now Vincent’s turn to hesitate, but he was 
not long in framing an answer. 

“ You have. a right,” he said, “ to judge of my feel- 
ings towards yourself as you see fit.” 

“Ay,” quickly added Trevett; “and by the same 
right I judge of jmur feelings towards my daughter. 
But you have not yet answered my question.” 

Vincent Gray was obliged once more to hesitate. 
His feeling was excited— his soul was stung by the 
old man’s manner, and yet he knew that he must 
speak calmly. He knew that to betray his passion 
would ruin his cause at once. He soon gxew calm, how- 
ever, and, gazing steadily into Trevett’s face, he said : 

“ You know, sir, that towards your daughter I have 
ever entertained the warmest feelings of respect and 
esteem, and it is no wonder that those feelings should 
have ripened into love. I do love the fair Olivia, sir, 
and I trust that there is nothing connected with iny 
habits, my character, or my circumstances, that should 
prevent me from hoping that I might gain her hand.” 


MICAH TREVETT. 


25 


'‘Now you have spoken to some purpose, sir,” re- 
plied Trevett, in one of the coldest tones imaginable ; 
"and the sooner you know of my opinion on the sub- 
ject the better. My answer to the implied request is 
very simple ; you must give up all ideas of my daughter, 
and from this time forth you must see her no more. I 
trust you comprehend me.” 

"I certainly comprehend what you say, sir,” re- 
turned Vincent, in a tone made trembling by agitation, 
" but I cannot think that you mean all that your words 
imply. You do not mean — ” 

" Stop,” interrupted Trevett. " I mean just what 
I have said, and I think you can understand it without 
further explanation.” 

Vincent Gray made no reply. He saw by the old 
man’s looks that he meant just what he had said, and 
for a while his heart sank within him. But gradualh" 
his lips became compressed, and a bright fire sparkled 
in his eyes. 

" I trust,” continued Trevett, " that I shall have no 
further trouble on your account. You know my de- 
cision, and I think you will abide by it.” 

" I shall make you no promise, sir,” returned Vin- 
cent. " In my future conduct I shall be governed by 
my own sense of justice. You may have a legal, 
physical right to do as , you please with regard to the 
future prospects of your daughter, but you have no 
moral right to control her against her wishes. She is 
of age, and she possesses a mind strong enough 
to govern herself properly. If she loves me as I 


26 


MICAH TREVETT. 


love her, I shall not pledge mj-self to your condi- 
tions.” 

“ Then,” said Trevett, while his face grew pale, 
“ 3^ou will place 3'ourself upon j^our own peril. Ap- 
proach my doors again, and ^mu may suffer more than 
jmu are aware of.” 

“ Very well, sir,” I’etuiuied Vincent, as he took his 
hat, “ we now know each other, and time will show 
which of us is in the right. I, sir, can lay m3' hand 
upon m3' heart, and look toward God to prosper me 
in my opposition to your will. I doubt much if you 
can do the same in reference to 3’our own designs.” 

The old man trembled, and there w'as something 
more than passion in the emotion that moved him. 
His hand loosened from the chair which he had been 
holding, and he took a turn across the room. When 
he stopped, he gazed fixedl3' into the 3'outh’s face. 

“ Go,” said he. “ Leave my house, and never let 
me see 3'ou within its doors again. Go. I want to 
hear no more of 3'our speech.” 

Vincent knew that what more he might sa3' would 
be productive of no good, and without another word 
he left the room. When he had gone, the old man 
sank into a chair, and gazed vacantl3' into the fire 
that was beginning to smoulder upon the hearth. His 
mind was evidently ill at ease, for the dim light of the 
coals revealed a face that was worked up with something 
very much like fear. Whatever ma3' have been the 
old man’s feelings, they were surely not such as a soul 
upright in its intention would have given birth to, 


CHAPTER IV. 


A STRANGE SECRET. 

For several da^^s after his interview with Micah 
Trevett, Vincent Gray spent his time in looking about 
among the shipping at the wharves, and also in mak- 
ing the acquaintance of many of the seamen who were 
thrown out of emplo^^hy the tyrannical acts of the 
British. Of one thing he ^oon made himself assured, 
and that was, that he could at any time find able men 
sufficient to man a patriot vessel, when he should be 
so fortunate as to find one that suited him ; and, more 
than this, he found that the majority of the seamen 
were with him in his desire to make a mark on the 
page of history in favor of his country’s independence, 
and freedom from the mother country’s tyrann^^ 

With Edward Thayer our hero had spent much of 
his time during the week, and the more he became ac- 
quainted with the young man, the more he liked him. 
There was something about the young Englishman’s 
countenance that had arrested Vincent’s attention 
from the first, but what it was he could not tell. At 
times he felt sure that he had seen him before. 

^‘Tell me,” he said, one day, as the3^ sat together in 
our hero’s room, is it not possible that we have met 
somewhere before ? When I look at your face, and 


28 


A STRANGE SECRET. 


hear you speak, I cannot divest myself of the idea that 
I have seen you in 3 ^ea]'s past.” 

know not, Mr. Gray,'’ returned Thayer, ^^but I 
do not think it probable. 1 have been in the East In- 
dies ; but, according* to your statement, not at the same 
time you were there. If you spent any time in England 
when you were a boy — ” 

^^I did,” quietly interrupted Vincent. spent 
three 3 ^ears there.” 

How long ago was that ?” 

Let’s see. It must have been eighteen years 
ago.” 

And in what part of England were you ?” inquired 
Tha^'er. 

I spent most of the time in London. I was there 
with m}^ father.” 

^‘1 must have been in London during' part of that 
time,” said Thayer, after some little reflection ; but 
I have no recollection of yourself. Indeed, we were 
both too young to have laid up much for future mem- 
ory.” 

^^True, true,” murmured Vincent, gazing half 
vacantly into his companion’s face. ^^And yet ’tis 
strange how your countenance awakens dull memory 
in my bosom. However, if there is any substance to 
my imaginings I may yet call it to mind.” 

Really,” added Thayer, with a smile, I hope you 
may succeed in calling me to mind as you wish, but I 
fear I cannot help jmu.” 

‘‘Never mind/’ said Vincent, 


A STRANGE SECRET. 


29 


And 3"et, by the way he looked, it was evident that 
he did mind very much, for he not only gazed very fix- 
edly upon his companion's countenance, but he also be- 
tra3^ed a great deal of anxious interest as he did so. 

Do jou intend to go to sea again at present ?" ask- 
ed Thayer, seeminglj^ more for the purpose of breaking 
up the uneasiness occasioned by the reverie in which 
Vincent had fallen, than from ah}^ real desire to gain a 
knowledge of his movements. 

No, I think not," returned our hero. Or, at all 
events, I shall not go again in a merchantman for the 
present. M.y old emplo^^er, Mr. Trevett, will not send 
his ship out again under the present aspect of af- 
fairs." 

Trevett, did you sa^^?" asked the jmung English- 
man, starting as he heard the sound of that name. 
^^Yes." 

What is his given name ?” 

^^Micah." 

Micah Trevett,’’ repeated Thaj’-er, half starting 
from his seat, and then sinking back again, as if seek- 
ing to recall some thought. 

^^Yes,” said Vincent, returning his companion's in- 
quisitive look with one of wonder. 

How old a man is he ?” 

He must be near sixty." 

Micah Trevett !” again uttered Thaj^er, starting up 
from his chair and taking a turn across the room, 
Micah Trevett !" 

Ay, and do you know him ?" 


30 


A STRANGE SECRET. 


‘‘Know him?” iterated the young Englishman, 
tremhling violently. ‘ ‘ I know him not so well as I wish 
to. If you know him, tell me of him.’^ 

“ I can only tell you that he is rich and hard- 
hearted.” 

“ Ay — go on. Has he a family ?” 

“ Only one child.” 

“ And what is that ?” 

“ A daughter.” 

Edward Tha3^er stopped and sank down into his 
chair again. His face had assumed an ash}^ paleness, 
and he trembled at eveiy joint. But this state of feel- 
ings could not last long. The young' man soon recov- 
ered from the first effects of the strange shock, and 
when he was once more calm, his countenance had 
assumed a rigid expression, and he gazed vacantly 
upon the floor. 

“He must be the man,” he murmured to himself; 
and then raising his e^^es to his companion’s face, he 
continued : “You may be surprised at what you have 
seen, but you must not ask me for an explanation now. 
I shall be obliged to dive still deeper into your indebt- 
edness, fori must get ^mu to introduce me to Mr. 
Trevett.” 

“Ah, sir,” returned Vincent, allowing his mind to 
leave for a while the exciting scene hehad just witness- 
ed, “ I fear I cannot accommodate you in that. The 
old man has forbidden me to ever enter his house 
again.” 

“Ah,” uttered Tha^^er, 


A STRANGE SECRET. 


*61 


Yes/’ continued Vincent, seeing that his compan- 
ion looked inquisitive, and I know not why I should 
fear to trust you with the secret, and then you will see 
the peculiarity of my position. It is on his daughter’s 
account that I am banished.” 

I understand/’ delicately replied Thayer. 
understand your meaning perfectly ; and I will seek 
some other means of an introduction to him.” 

There was a silence of some moments, during which 
time both of the young men seemed unusually medita- 
tive and lost in thought. At length Y incent remarked : 

am at a loss to conjecture why Mr. Trevett 
should have turned me off as he did, for I can call on 
God to witness that in no point of my character or 
habits can he find objection to me.” 

I shall find him out,” said Edward Thayer, and 
I hope that I may be the means of helping you. Ah, 
Micah Trevett, you are a — ” 

The speaker hesitated as he saw that Vincent’s eyes 
were fixed upon him. 

Excuse me,” said our hero, for regarding you so 
particularly, but I’m sure I cannot help it. I looked 
upon 3mu with somewhat of anxiety before, but now I 
am almost nervously so. My own connection with 
Trevett is peculiar, and I am not at all quieted by find- 
ing that — ” 

I also have some connection with him,” said 
Thayer, seeing that Gray hesitated. Well, I have 
some little to do with him if I am not much mistaken, 
but I cannot explain myself to you at present ; you 


82 


A STRANGE SECRET. 


must not expect it, nor must you blame me for keep- 
ing* my own secret.’’ 

O, not at all,” returned Vincent. 

Shortly afterwards young* Thayer arose and left the 
room, and after he had g*one Vincent remained for 
some time meditating* upon what had passed. He 
arose and put more wood upon the fire, and then sat 
back again in his chair to think of the strange 3mutli 
who had just left him, and who had awakened feelings 
of such a peculiar interest in his mind. 

The wind was howling without with a cold chilling 
music, and the streaks of frost upon the inside of the 
windows told how cold it was, but Vincent Gray 
noticed it not. thought of Edward Tha^^er and 
of Micah Trevett ; and anon his mind would stop to 
rest upon the sweet face of Olivia. He was engaged 
in this manner when his landlord appeared at the door 
and informed him that there was some one below who 
wished to see him. 

Who is it ?” asked Vincent. 

‘‘ A man,” laconically returned Boniface. 

Ay — but what sort of a man ?” 

An old man — a sailor, I should say.” 

An old sailor ? Then he must be an honest man. 
Send him to me.” 

He’s rough dressed.” 

Never mind. Send him up at once. Let me tell 
you, my good host, that in these times I look for 
honest hearts beneath rough dresses,” answered Vin- 
cent quickly, while his eyes sparkled Avith animation. 


CHAPTER V. 


THE OLD PATRIOT AND HIS MISSION. 

Vincent Gray had not long to wait after his host 
had gone, for in a few minutes he returned and ushered 
in the individual whom he had announced. The new- 
comer was an old man, and his appearance at once 
bespoke him to he a coast fisherman. He was very 
short in his stature, and though hy no means corpu- 
lent, yet he was very large for one of his height, look- 
ing somewhat as though he had at some time received 
a blow upon the head that had literally knocked his 
frame into a more solid mass. His face was veiy 
brown from constant exposure, and his hair, which 
had once been red, was ,now of a grizzly hue. His 
eyes were very small, very gray, and very bright. 
His hands were huge in their proportions, and as he 
grasped the brim of his hat with one of them, he ex- 
tended the other to our hero. 

This is Capt’n Gray, I take it,’’ he said. 

Yes, sir,” returned Vincent, regarding his visitor 
with a curious look. 

Well, my name’s Durkee — Obadiah Durkee. Them 
as knows me calls me Obed. And let me tell 3^011, sir, 
’at I’ve seen a good deal of salt water in my da^^” 

I don’t doubt it,” returned Vincent with a smile. 

The old man took a seat, and- having hauled his 


34 


THE OLD PATRIOT AND HIS MISSION. 


cliair up to the fire, he unbuttoned the great pea- 
jacket in which he was enveloped, and then turned 
his attention again upon our hero. 

You kind o’ layin’ on your oars now, I take it,” was 
his first observation after he had made himself at hoiue. 

For the present, ” answered Vincent. 

Yes,” responded Obed. There’s a good many in 
the same fix.” He cast a fugitive glance about the 
room, as if to assure himself that no one was listen- 
ing, and then he continued : There’s no puttin’ up 
with this sort o’ thing much longer. These intarnal 
Britishers are gettin’ wuss and wuss every day. Only 
last week they robbed me of all my fish. By the great 
horn spoon, Capt’n Gray, we mustn’t stand it.” 

‘‘It is rather hard,” said Vincent. He would have 
smiled again, but he saw that there was a vein of deep 
feeling beneath the old man’s quaintness, and he be- 
gan to conceive a respect for him. “ It seems wrong 
for us to submit to such treatment,” he continued. 

‘‘ Ay, capt’n.* And 'Us wrong. I don’t b’lieve God 
ever made the colonies for England’s footstool. Them’s 
my sentiments, an’ I don’t care who knows ’em.” 

Vincent saw that the old man was in earnest, but 
yet he had no clue to the object of his visit, so he re- 
mained quiet, in hopes that he would explain himself. 
Our hero’s silence had the desired effect, for ere long 
the old man opened the subject. 

“ Capt’n Gray,” he commenced, “ I understand ’at 
you want to get hold of a good vessel — one ’at ’ll do for 
a regular cruiser.” 


THE OLD PATRIOT AND HIS MISSION. 


35 


Well,’' said Vincent, becoming at once interested. 

Am I right ?” 

Suppose you are, what then ?” 

I’d like to know first if I am F” 

Well/’ said our hero, after regarding the old man 
for some time and feeling that he could trust him, 
“you are right.” 

^WVell, then,” resumed Obed, drawing his chair 
nearer to Vincent, and speaking in a lower tone, I 
tliink I know of just the craft you want. It’s the same 
one ’at robbed me of my fish. She’s an English brig- 
antine, an’ has been cruisin’ off the coast here for 
more’n a week.” 

Vincent was now all attention. The idea of captur- 
ing a vessel from the enemy had not before entered 
his mind, but it was none the less welcome for that. 

•^Do you think she could be captured?” he asked 
with much earnestness. 

If it is tried soon,” returned the old man. She’s 
cruisin’ about the coast here, an’ if she keeps on robbin’ 
our fishermen she may get caught.” 

What sort of a craft is she ?” 

1 O, a beauty,” exclaimed the old man, with anima- 
tion. ^^As saucy a looking thing as you ever saw. 
She carries a square mainsail, an’ a good heavy boom- 
sail to back it. She’s got ten guns, an’ she slips 
around through the water as though her heels was 
greased. By the great horn spoon, capt’n, she must 
be took. I’m yer man if you ken only find enough 
more to carry the thing through,” 


36 THE OLD PATRIOT AND HIS MISSION. 

But there is no knowing how long she will remain 
here/’ suggested Vincent, in a thoughtful mood. 

there’s no kind o’ fear ’bout that,” confidently 
returned Obed. She’s been knockin’ about ofl' Na- 
hant an’ Marblehead, an’ so down towards Lynn, for a 
week, an’ she’ll stay more’n a week longer if she aint 
drove off. I know she ken be taken if we ken only get 
the men to do it.” 

And where would you gather your force ?” 

O, you must do that, capt’n.” 

Well, but where ?” 

‘^Down on Swampscott beach would be as good a 
place as any.” 

^Wery well,” returned Vincent, after having 
thought the matter over ; ^^and now I should like to 
ask you if you have thought of any plan by which the 
vessel can be taken.” 

Why,” said the old man, without hesitation, we 
must have men enough to do it.” 

I know all that, my dear man ; but you are aware 
that there must be something more than merety men 
enough to do the fighting. It is no very easy job to 
get your men in a fighting position against a craft of 
that description.” 

''O, I know what you mean,” said Obed, elevat- 
ing his shaggy eyebrows. Yes, yes, you want to 
know how we are goin’ to get aboard the fellow. 
Well, we’ll have to study up some plan for that ; but 
I don’t think it’ll be very hard work, for 3^011 know 
when a chap is up to all sorts of mischief he’s very 


THE OLD PATRIOT AND HIS MISSION. 


37 


apt to git into trouble. I think we can fix a trap 
for him. At any rate, if we git the men down on 
Swampscott beach, I’ll venture but that we’ll make 
some plan work.” 

If we could be sure that the brigantine would re- 
main about the coast, perhaps we could,” responded 
Vincent, Thoughtfully. 

The old man looked a little uneasy as Vincent made 
this last remark. 

^^Well, look here, capt’ny said he, if jmu don’t 
think the matter is worth running any chances for, I 
Avouldn’t have anything to do with it. When I come 
to see you I thought you wanted to get hold of a good 
vessel, and I didn’t know but you would be willin’ to 
run some risk, for in such times as these I’d be willin’ 
to run a good deal. Howsomever, it don’t make much 
difference, for if you wont — ” 

Stop, my good man,” interrupted Vincent, appre- 
ciating the reproof he had received I did not mean 
that I would run no risk, for, on the contrary, I expect 
to have to run much before I' accomplish all I wish ; 
but this is an important affair, and I wish to under- 
stand it thoroughly before I enter upon it. Now, sir, 
this very evening I will set about enlisting my men, 
and to-morrow I will be at Swampscott.” 

'' That’s right,” uttered Obed, his countenance 
brightening as he spoke. ^^I’ll go right away an’ 
have all the matters fixed that I can.” 

^ Perhaps you can raise some men among your ac- 
quaintance,” suggested oui* hero. 


38 


THE OLD PATRIOT AND HIS MISSION. 


sartin. I ken raise a dozen, I guess; and 
they’ll he good ones, too.” 

Vincent expressed his satisfaction at this, and then 
he went on and made such arrangements with the old 
man as he could. He promised that he would he at 
the designated place hy noon on the next day, and. 
perhaps before, and in the meantime the fishermen 
were to make what provision they could for capturing 
the brigantine. 

It was nearly dark when -the old man left the inn, 
and as soon as Vincent could obtain liis supper lie set 
forth to hunt up his men. He had expected to fin d 
this part of the task an easy one, and he was not mis- 
taken. From his previous conversations with the sea- 
men he had learned whom he might trust, and the 
most he had now to do was to hunt them up and notify 
them that they were wanted. Before ten o’clock he 
had found seventy-five men who were ready and 
anxious to join him, and all of them, too, had pledged 
themselves to meet him on the next morning with 
arms sufficient for the enterprise, each one promising 
to find his own. 

When Vincent Gray returned to his inn his heart 
was alive with the most ardent hope. He looked for- 
ward to the moment wdien he could place his foot upon 
the first prize from the enemy with a longing in which 
was centered the whole patriotism of his zeal. And he 
was not alone in this feeling. All the seamen who had 
joined him were equally zealous with himself. They 
kneiv that the feelings they entertained towards Eng- 


THE OLD PATRIOT AND HIS MISSION. 


39 


land and her king- were held hy the best and most able 
men in the colonies — they knew that the clerg-ymen of 
the land were with them in heart — and they felt, too, 
that the God of justice would uphold them in striving- 
to shake off the chains of the oppressor. 

It was with such feelings as these that our hero- 
patriots planned their operations against the enemy, 
and with such feelings, too, they determined to win 
the prize — the dearest, holiest prize of life — Liberty ! 


CHAPTER VI. 


A SLOOP AND THE BEIQANTINE. 

The morning* of March 7th, 1775, was calm, clear, 
and frosty. The air was sharp with its icy breath, 
but by no means uncomfortable to those who were 
clothed for a New Eng*land winter. At an early hour 
the hardy seamen began to repair towards a point 
south of the town — a place secure from observation — 
and when Vincent Gray arrived he found most of his 
men already assembled, and before ten o’clock they 
were all there. They were reviewed and equipped suf- 
ficiently for all practical purposes, and without an^^ 
unnecessary delay they set off for Swampscott, g'oing 
in parties of six or eight each, and taking as man^" dif- 
ferent routes as they could. 

Vincent went ahead, and at about one o’clock he 
reached the high headland of Swampscott. The first 
thing that attracted his attention after he gained a 
view of the sea, was the English brigantine. She was 
just inside of Egg Rock, and was standing in. 

^^Upon my soul, Munn,” he said, tuiming to one of 
his men who stood by his side, she is a beauty.” 

^^No mistake,” was Munn’s reply, as he stopped to 
gaze upon the vessel. She’s a saucy looking craft, 
anyhow,’* 


A SLOOP AND THE BRIGANTINE. 


41 


^‘1 sliould like to have the management of those 
batteries/’ continued Vincent. 

You ?m^ 5 niave,” responded the other. If your 
old fisherman can contrive a way to put us on board 
we can do the rest.” 

Let’s go on/’ said our hero, whose thoughts at 
that moment were not formed in speech. Let’s go 
on and find old Durkee. There comes moi’e of our 
boys over the hill. By the mass, we must not be 
found thick up here in sight, or the brigantine may be 
making us out.” 

With that Vincent and his party started on, and 
having reached the cove above the beach they found 
the cot of Obadiah Durkee, and the old man himself at 
the door. 

So you’ve come,” cried Obed, as he recognized our 
hero. 

Yes,” returned Vincent. 

By the great Moses, Captain Gray, I was almost 
afraid y^ou’d be too late.” 

Ah, and have you any plan studied up ?” uttered 
Vincent, with energy. 

^'Part of one,” answered Obadiah, ^‘but where are 
the rest of your men 

^ ‘ They’ll be along in a few minutes — seventy-five of 
them.” 

Jerusalem, that’s good. Now come in, come in, 
capt’n, and I’ll tell you just what's turned up. By the 
great horn spoon, it does seem as though the fates 
yvere working for us/’ 


42 


A SLOOP AND THE BRIGANTINE. 


When Vincent entered the fisherman’s cot he found 
ten men already assembled there. They were all of 
them ^munger than Obed^ but yet all middle-aged men, 
and men, too, whose frames were put together for 
strength and endurance. The old man introduced 
them as friends of his who were ready for the expedi- 
tion on hand, and after Vincent had greeted them, he 
turned tow^ards his host. 

Now,” said he, ‘Svhat have yon done ? You speak 
as though you had found some sea-room to work in.” 

^'Ay,” exclaimed Obed, with a brightly sparkling 
eye. The Englishman’s given us the course himself, 
and I don’t see what’s to hinder us from taking him. 
Here’s Dick Powell, here, happened to put out after fish 
before da^dight this morning. He ketched only a few 
an’ was cornin’ in with ’em when the brigantine over- 
haulded him. They took what fish he had an’ then told 
him that if he would come out this afternoon, an’ ketch 
a lot they’d buy ’em. Dick, yer see, knowed all about 
our plans, an’ so he just promised ’em all he would. 
He told ’em ’at he’d take his smack an’ go outside, git 
all he could, an’ thej^ might have ’em if the^^'d be sure 
and pay him. Yer see he pretended to be very ’ticular 
•bout the pa3^ so’s to make it ’pear as though he was in 
earnest ’bout it. Of course the Englishman don’t 
mean to pay for any of the fish, he only said that so as 
to gum us ; but he’ll find where the gum comes in 
afore another day, eh, capt’n.” 

I hope so,” returned Vincent. 

0; I know so,” added Obed, with much confidencOi 


A SLOOP AND THE BRIGANTINE. 


43 


By this time all of Vincent’s men had arrived, and 
as many as possible had crowded into the cot, while 
the remainder staid in the yard. Our hero had gained 
a pretty clear idea of what old Durkee meant, and this 
he explained to his men. Some of them were well ac- 
quainted with Dick Powell, and the^^ knew him to be a 
shrewd, calculating man. 

Now, Durkee,’’ said our hero, addressing the old 
fisherman, how large a craft is your smack ?” 

0, big enough for our use. Come, we’ll go and 
look at her, for it’s about time we were off. Come on, 
all hands.” 

The party followed on after the old man as he led 
the way to a place which had been scooped out at the 
upper end of the beach on purpose to receive the 
smack, and Vincent found the craft larger than he 
had expected. 

She was a sloop, and of some sixty or seventy tons 
burthen ; and upon examination he found that his men 
could be easily accommodated in her hold. 

^‘Now,” turning to Obed, ^^if I understand you 
rightl}^, you will put us alongside of the brigantine if 
we will hide ourselves here in the hold ?” 

Exactly,” returned *the old man, ^^and the sooner 
you do the thing the better. We’ll put the old smack 
alongside o’ the Englishman, and we’ll help you. do the 
rest, too.” 

Our hero explained all to his men, and they were 
eager for the onset. Each man had his arms ready for 
use, and they were anxious to try their merits. They 


44 


A SLOOP AND THE BRIGANTINE. 


got on board the smack as soon as possible, and when 
they entered the hold six of the fishermen joined them, 
leaving only Obed and four of his companions ki 
charge of the deck. Our adventurers found them- 
selves in rather close quarters, but by knocking away 
the bulkhead of the little cabin they managed to make 
good breathing room, and if they found their situation 
slightly uncomfortable, the object they had in view 
made it bearable. 

As soon as Vincent Gray and his men were safely 
jiacked away below, Obed got his sloop off and made 
sail. As he passed out the brigantine hove down and 
hailed him. 

Where are you bound now 

After fish,"’ returned Dick Powell, who stood by 
the quarter-rail. 

That’s right,’’ shouted the Englishman, ^^Pll see 
when you come back.” 

Yes — hope you will,” responded Powell, as the 
sloop dashed on, while the brigantine passed under 
his stern. And a mighty pretty sight you’ll get, 
I’m thinking,” he continued, as he gazed after the 
Englishmano 

By the powers, I guess he will,” added Obed, giv- 
ing the helm a push to the leeward. 

For over an hour the sloop stood on, and then she 
hove to, and the fishermen threw over their lines. 
They caught a few fish — cod and haddock — and after 
waiting about two hours, Obed broached the idea of 
returning. 


A SLOOP AND THE BRIGANTINE. 


45 


we start now,’’ lie said, having* called Vincent 
on deck, it will be nearly dusk b3^ the time we get 
back. Yes, it’ll be most dark, for the sun aint sartinly 
more’ll half an hour high.” 

Then let us start,” said Vincent. Let us start 
at once, for I want to see this business done.” 

‘‘ So do I,” resumed Obed. ^‘ISTow, in less’n an hour 
I’ll be alongside o’ the brigantine, an’ you must have 
jouv men read3^” 

I’ll do 1113^ part,” said the 3mung man. 

The sloop was accordingl3^ put back for the shore, 
and Vincent returned to the hold, where he informed 
his men of what was being done, and at the same time 
bade them be in readiness to follow him. 

The wind was nearl3^ north, and consequently the 
sloop had it nearly upon her starboard beam. At the 
end of half an hour the brigantine was seen standing 
in, but shortl3" afterwards she went about and stood 
out upon the larboard tack, heading across the sloop’s 
course. 

He Avants his fish,” said Powell, who had noiv taken 
the helm. 

' A3^” returned Obed, breathless with anxiety and 

excitement. ^^Mind the helm — mind the helm, Dick. 
Here, bo3"S, let’s give the sheets a pull — and you may 
luff a little, Dick. ’T’wont do to ’pear too anxious to 
fall in Avith him. I’d rather seem as though I was go- 
in’ to run in by him.” 

PoAvell made no ansAver, for he had his eye upon the 
brigantine. Ever3’'thing Avas noAV quiet upon the fish- 


4:6 A SLOOP AND THE BRIGANTINE. 

erman’s deck, and the men were anxiously watching 
the coming vessel. The sloop had not yet crossed the 
course of the Englishman, and as Ohed could calculate 
she would not, it being evident that the latter Avould 
pass under the sloop’s fore-foot if both vessels kept on 
as they were now. And so it turned out ; for in less 
than fifteen minutes the brigantine came das]iing 
across the Yankee’s bows, and as she was clear she 
went about, and by the time the sloop was up with her 
she had everything snug and taut on the starboard 
side. 

^^My soul!” uttered Powell, as he witnessed the 
evolution, what a thing to Avork. May I be blessed 
if she don’t cut about in the Avater like a dolphin.” 

She’s a beauty,” responded Obed, ‘‘a beauty and 
no mistake.” And thus speaking, he Avent to the 
hatchway and looked down. 

All ready there ?’ ’ he asked, in a clear earnest tone. 

All ready,” returned Vincent. 

Then be on hand. I’ll gwe you the Avord Avhen it 
is time.” 

Hallo, there !” at this moment shouted the English- 
man. 

Hallo !” returned Obed. 

Got any fish ?” 

Yes — plenty.” 

Then heave to, and Ave’ll send a boat.” 

^^You know you promised to paj^ for ’em,” cried 
Powell. 

O, certainly. Come, heave to, quick !” 


A SLOOP AND THE BRIGANTINE. 47 

The brigantine hove her maintopsail aback, expect- 
ing- of course that the sloop -would also heave to at 
once ; but instead of that the latter tauted her sheets 
and luffed, 

“ Avast, there, you lubber !” yelled the Englishman, 
in alarm. “ You’ll be afoul of us.” 

“ Starboard ! starboard 1” shouted Obed, turning to 
Dick, who had the helm. “ Good gracious sakes’ alive, 
what yer thinkin’ on, Dick. Look out, now.” 

But Dick had no thoughts of moving his helm. He 
held it almost hard a-port with perfect disregard of his 
commander’s injunctions, and the result was such as 
might have been anticipated. In a minute more the 
sloop’s bowsprit went poking, in amongst the brigan- 
tine’s larboard foi-e-rigging, and on the same instant 
the old fisherman leaped to the main hatch and gave 
the signal to those below. 


CHAPTER VII. 


THE PATRIOT CRUISER. 

Now see wliat you’ve done, and be blowed to you !” 
yelled the commander of the brigantine, as he rushed 
forward to where the fisherman’s bowsprit was poked 
up over the bulwarks. 

Now don’t git mad, capt’n,” expostulated Obed, 
for by the great Jerusalem, I couldn’t help it.” 

Then you must be a confounded lubber. Now — ” 
The Englishman ceased speaking, for at that mo- 
ment he saw the heads of half-a-dozen men appear 
above the combings of the sloop’s hatchway ; in an in- 
stant he seemed to suspect that all was not right, but 
he had no time to collect his thoughts for action, for 
before he could fairly think of what he saw, the sloop’s 
deck was literall}^ covered with armed men, and on the 
next instant they began to pour over the bulwarks of 
his own vessel. 

The Englishman leaped back to the wheel, where his 
sword hung in its beckets, and having seized the 
weapon, he shouted for his men to arm themselves. 
He did not stop to count the host that had thus com*e 
upon him, but when, a moment afterwards, he saw the 
invaders still pouring in upon them, he began to 
tremble with something besides excitement. 


THE PATRIOT CRUISER. 


49 


The brigantine’s men were all of them upon the deck, 
but it was not an easy thing* for them 'to arm them- 
selves. To be sure the arm-chests were on deck, and 
the lids were thrown open, but the Americans easily 
beat off those who had gathered about them, and thus 
they gained a decided vantage. The next move- 
ment of the British sailors was towards the pikes which 
were arranged around the masts^ but here they were 
again non-plussed. 

This brigantine is liiine !” shouted Vincent, as he 
leaped upon the quarter-deck. 

Not quite yet,” returned the English commander, 
at the same moment crossing swords with his young 
invader. 

0, but you must yield,” said Vincent, parrying a 
thrust that was made at his bosom. 1 have made 
up my mind that this vessel is mine.” 

Not yet — not yet,” hissed the Englishman, beating 
furiously at the young man with his sword. 

Look out — look out,” said Vincent, throwing his 
weapon carefully about, you are no match for me 
at this game.” 

And so it proved ; for, on the third movement from 
that, the Englishman’s sword went whizzing over the 
rail. 

Now yield to me ! Yield at once,” shouted Vin- 
cent, pointing his sword at his adversary’s breast* 
There’s not a moment to spare. Speak the word or 
you die on the spot. I am in earnest/^ 

The disarmed captain was bewildered ; but he had 


50 


THE PATRIOT CRUISER. 


enough sense to see that his young oonqueror was not 
to be trifled with, and in a sinking, painful tone he 
spoke the word of surrender. 

Then call off your men,’^ ordered Vincent ; I do 
not wish to spill more blood than can be avoided. You 
see my men have the advantage.^^ 

This order, however, was not necessary, for the Eng- 
lishmen saw that their captain had surrendered and 
instinctively they drew back from the hopeless conflict 
in which they were engaged. Our hero ordered his 
own men to desist from the conflict, and then he pro- 
ceeded to have the brigantine’s men disarmed. 

By this time it was fairly dark, and after a short 
consultation among the Americans, it was arranged 
that the brigantine should stand off a few miles, and 
there lay till morning, while Powell and three of his 
companions should take the sloop back to Swampscott. 
Accordingly the smack was got clear from the brigan- 
tine’s fore rigging, and the crew that had been ap- 
pointed for her went on board, and sailed her off out of 
the way. 

I Seeing that the brigantine was to remain out over 
night, Vincent thought it prudent to put his prisoners 
in irons, and having found those that belonged to the 
vessel, he at once set about the job. All the English- 
men were thus secured except three of the officers, and 
they, upon giving their pledge of honor that they would 
not engage in any disturbance, were allowed to go 
at large. 

Our hero found that in all he had seventy-eight pris- 


THE PATRIOT CRUISER. 


61 


oners. Only three of the enemy had been killed in the 
melee, so that the vessel’s crew had amounted to 
eighty-one men, while his own force, all told, had num- 
bered eighty-seven. 

As soon as the brigantine’s head was put about, and 
some half dozen battle-lanterns lighted and arranged 
about the deck, Vincent went aft, and having called 
Obed and one or two of his own men to accompany 
him, he went down into the brigantine’s cabin. He 
had but little time to take a survey of things before he 
was joined by the prisoner captain. The latter stood 
for a few moments and regarded his captor in silence, 
and at length he sat down upon a rich divan that was 
arranged in the after part of the cabin. 

You, I suppose, sir, are commander here now,” he 
said, addressing Vincent Gray. 

Yes, sir,” returned the young man. 

Well, sir, if it would not be impertinent, I should 
like to know what you mean to do now that you have 
got command of one of his majesty’s vessels. 

‘^You mistake, my dear sir,” said Vincent, with a 
smile. This is now a Yapkee vessel ; but if you wish 
to know what I mean to do with her, I will tell you. 
Henceforth she is to be 2b patriot cruiser, 

You mean a pirate,^’ returned the Englishman, 
with bitter sarcasm. 

Ho, sir. She has been a pirate until now, but she 
will be so no more. You forget yourself, sir.” 

Do I ? I’m thinking ’tis you who have forgotten 
yourself. It may be a very pretty thing now to find 


52 


THE PATRIOT CRUISER. 


yourself in command of this vessel, hut it will prove a 
sore job for you before it is finished. You know how 
piracy is punished 

Ay, I do know,’’ returned Vincent, boldly ; and 
your tyrant king* will know how it is punished. Don’t 
talk to me of piracy. Look to your own hands, sir. 
What have been your deeds since you have been 
cruising* about this coast? You have been robbing 
our people whenever the opportunity was afforded. 
You have driven honest men from their vocation — you 
have robbed them of their hard-earned store, you have 
invaded the sanctity of our people’s houses, pilfered 
from their flocks and broods ; your king and your 
parliament have shut up our harbors, placed a navy to 
infest our waters, quartered an insulting army upon our 
shores, and driven our people to starvation and want : 
and now you talk to me of piracy ! Out upon thee and 
thy whole race of hirelings! By the heavens above 
me, sir, there be hands and hearts in these colonies 
that are nervous. This is but a beginning of v/hat is 
yet to come. Pirates, eh ? O, you shall know how 
your own pirates shall be punished. This craft is now 
in the hands of those who have bitter wrongs to re- 
dress, and sweet liberty to gain.” 

The Englishman shrank from the burning gaze of 
the young patriot, and for some moments he was 
speechless ; but at length he said, with some hesita- 
tion in his manner : 

^^Do you mean you are going to cruise against the 
king ?’^ 


THE PATEIOT CRUISER. 


53 


Of course I do/’ 

Then your race will be a short one.” 
may be,” returned Vincent, with a flashing eye, 
^^but, ” he added, in a low, solemn tone, I say, with 
thousands of my countrymen, my life and liberty shall 
go together for m}^ country.” 

Ay,” uttered old Durkee, whose enthusiasm was 
equal to Vincent’s, but whose language was not so 
ample for its expression, ^ that’s the idee. Whilst we 
live we’ll have liberty, and when we can’t have that 
we may as well die as not. By the crown of old Nep- 
tune, Mr. Englishman, you may tell your king that 
the patriots ain’t afraid to die, but they won’t be trod 
upon.” 

The Englishman said no more, and shortly after- 
wards Vincent went on deck. 

In the morning Vincent Gray had abetter chance to 
examine the proportions of his prize, and he was agree- 
ably disappointed upon finding her much better than 
he had expected. In every way she was proportioned 
to meet his most fastidious taste, and a few experimen- 
tal evolutions convinced him that she was everything 
that he could desire. She carried ten guns, all of them 
eighteen-pounders, and the two bow guns were long 
ones. She was well armed in other respects, and 
when our hero put his vessel’s head towards the shore 
he felt vreli pleased with his fortune. 

Before noon he had landed all his prisoners, leaving 
them at liberty to go where they pleased, and as soon 
as this was done he put back to Swampscott, where the 


54 


THE PATRIOT CRUISER. 


four men who had taken charge of the sloop came on 
board. 

Vincent’s next movement Avas to organize his creAV. 
L^unan Munn AA^as chosen for the second in command, 
Dick PoAA^ell for the third, Avhile old Durkee took the 
office of boatsAvain, leaving the gunner to be appointed 
AAdien the most suitable one could be determined on. 

Before night the patriot cruiser was ready for action, 
and AAuth nine hearty cheers the men assumed their re- 
spective stations. They had a vessel in the qualities of 
AAdiich they could trust — they had a commander in 
whose skill and judgment they reposed the utmost 
confidence, and they had hearts that Avere longing for 
the first bloAv that could be struck for the honor of their 
flag and the good of their country. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


A STARTLING MISSIVE, 

It was a week after the capture of the English brig- 
antine that Micah Trevett returned from a visit to 
Boston, where he had spent two days. It was just 
dark when he entered his house, and having eaten his 
supper, he sat down by the fire in the^ sitting-room. 

‘‘Olivia,’^ he said, addressing his daughter, who 
was alone with him in the room, ^^have you heard 
from any of your acquaintances who that young man 
was that landed here a few weeks since from the man- 
of-war that put in here 

No, sir,’’ returned the maiden. 

You knew there was such a one ?” 

I heard something about it, for it was made the 
talk of the whole town.” 

Ay — I know it,” said Trevett; and then he fell into 
a thoughtful mood. But his thoughts were evidently 
uneasy ones, for he moved nervously about in his chair, 
and his face looked pale and haggard. At length he 
seemed to arouse himself, and turning again towards 
his child he said : 

Well, Olivia, that young Grsby has turned out just 
as I expected.” 

The maiden looked at her father inquisitively. 


56 


A STARTLING MISSR^E. 


He has turned out to be a regular pirate/’ resum- 
ed the old man. I never thought him much bet- 
ter.” 

At first Olivia turned pale, but she knew that her 
father’s last statement Avas false ; for she Avas Avell 
aAvare that he had ever placed the utmost confidence 
in the young man’s integrity, and from this she thought 
that the AAdaole might be untrue. 

What do you mean ?” she at length asked. 

I mean just what I say. Vincent Gray has associ- 
ated himself AAuth a band of desperadoes, and they have 
seized upon one of his majesty’s vessels, and are now 
cruising about on a regular piratical expedition.” 

You mean, then, that he has taken up arms against 
England ?” 

Ay, against his laAvful king and master ; but he 
Avill soon be caught, and then his head Avill ansAver for 
his crime.” 

There Avas a shudder passed through the fair girl’s 
frame ; but yet her countenance shoAved that she felt 
thankful for the information she noAV had heard. She 
kneAv that her lover had Avished to obtain a vessel, and 
she knew Avhy he had noAV gained one. In her heart 
she sympathized Avith him, and she inwardly prayed 
him God-speed on his noble mission. 

What do you think of his doings ?” Trevett asked, 
after Avatching his daughter for a feAv moments. 

do not knoAv that I could express an opinion,” 
returned the maiden. Mr. Gray has appeared to be 
an honest, virtuous man, and if he has noAv taken up 


A STARTLING MISSIVE. 


57 

arms against the king, I suppose he has done only 
what he thought was right.’’ 

Ay,” uttered the old man, gazing fixedly upon his 
child, do you mean to excuse the fellow for what he 
has done?” 

I do not know that there is any need of my excus- 
ing him, sir.” 

Perhaps you think he is doing right.” 

Olivia saw that her father’s e^^es were fixed upon 
her, and for the first time in her life she resolved to 
speak her mind when she knew it was in opposition to 
his. His own acts of late had been such as to tend to- 
wards the estrangement of his child, and she felt that 
the sooner she expressed her honest opinions, the bet- 
ter. Her father’s whole course of conduct in relation 
to Vincent Gray had deeply wounded her heart, and 
the love which a child might feel for a parent was fash 
growing dim and cold in her bosom. She trembled 
when she thought of it, but she could not hide the 
truth — she could not put out of sight the fact that re- 
spect for her father was losing ground in her soul. 

Perhaps you think he is doing right,” Mr. Trevett 
repeated. 

I hope he is,” tremblingly returned Olivia. 

Ay ; but what is your opinion in the premises ?” 

Then, frankly, I think he is doing right.” 

Trevett started back again. He had not expected 
that the girl would dare to avow such opinions. 

'' Do you know what you say?” he asked, in a hiss- 
ing tone. 


58 


A STARTLING MISSVIE. 


Yes, sir,” returned Olivia, more emboldened now 
that she had broken the ice. 

should like to know if you are a rebel at heart?” 

If to pray for the national freedom and independ- 
ence of these colonies makes a rebel, then I am 
one.” 

^^Now, girl, I shall know how to treat you,” ex- 
claimed the old man, in a tone of deep passion. 
had suspected that you had a rebel heart, both against 
your father and against your king ; but I shall look 
out that you suffer the penalty of your sin. You may 
may not be aware of the fact that my loyalty can over- 
come the parent in my bosom.” 

do not profane that sacred subject,” said the 
fair girl. Do not talk of parent’s love until you can 
exercise some of it.” 

Silence, girl !” 

Just as Micah Trevett uttered that exclamation 
there came a loud rap upon the door. He started 
from his seat, and went to see who was there. 

Does Mr. Trevett live here ?” asked the applicant. 

Yes, I am he.” 

Ah ! I have a letter for you.” 

Then come in.” 

The old man led the way to the sitting-room, and he 
was followed by Edward Thayer. 

A letter, you say,” said Trevett, after he had 
motioned his visitor to a seat. 

Yes, sir,” returned Thayer. Trevett, your name 
is — Micah Trevett.^’ 


A STARTLING MISSIVE. 


59 


Yes, sir,” answered the old man, gazing sharply 
into his face. 

Then the letter is for you, sir.” 

As Thayer spoke, he handed the letter to the old 
man. 

’Tis from England,” uttered Trevett, looking at 
the superscription, and turning pale. 

Yes, sir.” 

Are you the man who landed from the man-of- 
war a few weeks since ?” 

i 

Yes, sir,” calmly returned the young man, at the 
same time returning his interlocutor’s look with a 
sharp, steady gaze. 

Micah Ti^evett tore open the letter, and while he was 
reading it Edward Thayer turned his look upon Olivia. 
She met his gaze, and for a moment her eyes fell to the 
floor. There was a bright spark came to the youth’s 
eyes as he looked upon her handsome countenance, 
and when she again looked up he spoke to her. 

A cool evening,” said he. 

Yes, sir,” tremblingly returned the maiden. 

Thayer's gaze became more earnest than before, but 
Olivia bent not her eyes before it again. 

Olivia returned the look of the young man steadily, 
until her eyes became dim, and then she bent her head 
as if in deep thought. 

The young man started when he looked again upon 
Micah Trevett, for that individual was ashy pale, and 
he 'was trembling like an aspen leaf. He caught the 
gaze of the youth and his daughter fixed upon him, 


60 


A STARTLING MISSIVE. 


and. in a quick, excited tone, lie bade the latter leave 
the room. After she had gone he turned to the 
visitor. 

Do you know the contents of this letter, sir?” he 
asked, trying with all his power to keep calm. 

ISTo, sir,” returned Thayer. 

Do you know its import ?” 

I only know that a g'entleman in London handed 
it to me, and asked me to deliver it to you.” 

And was it for that purpose that you came to this 
place 

Partly. 

Then you have other business in Salem ?” 

Perhaps so.” 

Trevett hesitated, and looked uneasilj^ upon his 
visitor. He was evidently worked ujion by some deep, 
powerful emotion. 

Did that man-of-war ]iut in here expressly to land 
you ?” he asked, after a few moments of thought. 

couldn’t tell you, sir, I’m sure, whether the two 
ships would have come-to off here or not if I had not 
been on board. I only know that I wished to be landed 
here, and the commodore granted my request.” 

Who was the commodore ?” 

Montague.” 

Micah Trevett rose from his chair and began to pace 
the room. . At length he stopped in front of the place 
where the young man sat. 

What is your name,” he asked. 

^ ^ Edward Thayer, ’ ^ 


61 


A STARTLING MISSIVE. 

Trevett looked hard at the youth, and again he 
crossed the room. When he came back again, he sat 
down. 

^^Look ye, sir,” he said, in a quick, excited tone, 

do you know one idea that this letter contains ?” ^ 

^^AYhj^ do you ask me that question again?” re- 
turned the young man, Avith considerable severity. 

Because I Avould haA^e some explanation from you, 
if you AAmuld giA^e it.” 

Then I fea.r you aauII not get it, for I knoAV nothing 
of it.” 

Neither do I,” said the old man, as he folded the 
letter and placed it in his bosom; ^‘IknoAv nothing 
of it. Either they have mistaken the man, or 
else — ” 

^‘0, sir,” interrupted EdAA^ard, you think the 
letter Avas not intended -for you, I will take it again. I 
Avill take it, sir, if there has been a mistake.” 

No, no,” quickly returned the old man, at the same 
time placing his liand upon his bosom, as if to assure 
himself that he had not lost the missh^e. I think the 
letter Avas intended for me, but 3'et I am unable to 
analyze its meaning. Why haA^e you not left it 
before?” 

Because I could not find you out.” 

Again TreA^ett gazed into his A'isitor’s face, and he 
could not fail to detect the look of contempt that rested 
there. He Avas sure that he Avas not mistaken in the 
nature of the look, but the assurance did not serve to 
make him any more easy. Thayer guessed Avhat was 


62 


A STAETLING MISSIVE. 


passing in the old man’s mind, and -without further re- . 
mark he arose from his chair. 

“ I think I -will take my leave,” he^aid, as he but- 
toned up his coat. 

“Where do you stop?” asked Trevett, as he, too, 
arose from his chair. 

“ I am stopping at Pollock’s inn, at present.” 

“ Then I shall knoAv where to find you, if I wish to 
see you.” 

Micah Trevett conducted the young man to the 
door-, and after his visitor was gone, he returned and 
sank into his chair. For a long time he sat there and 
gazed into the fire. Deep shadows flitted across his 
countenance, and in every look he plainly showed that 
he was tortured by some agonizing thought. 

“By heavens!” he uttered, starting up from his 
seat, “ I’ll not trust that man. He knows more than 
he chooses to reveal. He is — oh !” 

It was a stunning thought that at that moment 
flashed across the old man’s mind, and with a totter- 
ing step he went back to his chair, where he bowed 
his head upon his hands, and thought deeply and long. 
At length he raised his head and looked about him. 
His face w^as pale as marble, and his features were 
rigid, and his eyes were fixed and glassy. Again he 
opened the letter and read its contents. The pallor of 
his face gave place to a deep flush, and his hands were 
clutched. 

“ I’ll know him !” he gasped, as he thrust the now 
crumpled letter back into his bosom. I’ll know him ! 


A STARTLING MISSIVE. 


63 


By my soul’s redemption^ Fll know liim. The game 
shall not he won from meT 
Micali Trevett looked terrible now— he looked like 
one who enters a list where either himself or another 
must die. 



CHAPTER IX. 


THE SOUL-BAKTER. 

On the next morning after Edward Thayer’s visit, 
Mr. Trevett met his daughter in the sitting-room. 
His face still looked pale, and his brow Avas dark and 
contracted ; his Avhole appearance showing pretty 
plainly that he had not slept much during the night. 
He met the maiden’s looks Avith a troubled expression, 
and Avhen she bade him good morning he returned her 
no answer. He Avent and stood Avith his back to the 
fire, and gazed down upon the carpet. At length he 
raised his eyes to the face of his child. 

“ Olivia,” he said, “do you know that young man 
Avho Avas here last night Avith that letter ?” 

“No, sir,” returned she, gazing carefully into the 
old man’s face. 

“ Don’t you remember ever to have seen him be- 
fore ?” 

“ No, sir.” 

“ Is there nothing about his countenance that looks 
familiar to you ?” 

“ Not that I know of. I surely did not notice any 
such.” 

Micah Trevett eyed his daughter sharply for several 


THE SOUL-BARTER. 


65 


moments^ and then he turned away towards the door, 
and took his hat. 

Breakfast is almost ready/’ said Olivia, as she 
saw that her father was preparing to go out. 

Never mind,” returned the old man; ^^you may 
eat when you get ready; I may not be back in 
season.” 

He spoke in a husky tone, and his hand shook when 
he laid it upon the door-latch. In the hall he put on 
his overcoat, and then started out into the street. 
The air was biting cold, but the old man noticed it 
not. He moved on with a quick, nervous step, and 
when he reached Pollock’s inn he stopped and tried to 
look through the windows of the barroom, but the 
thickly gathered frost prevented him. He stopped 
upon the door-step a few moments, irresolute, but at 
length he gathered resolution and went in. He felt 
relieved when he entered the barroom to find no one 
there but a boy, the rest of the people having gone to 
breakfast. He called for spirits, and having drank 
nearl}’^ a tumbler full, he turned towards the small 
desk, where lay the register of the inn. He opened it 
and looked over its contents until his eyes rested upon 
the name of Edward Thayer, With a trembling hand 
the old man shut the book, and then hastened away. 
Several times he stopped and gazed down upon the 
snow-crust, and then kept on again. In this way he 
walked until he reached the outskirts of the town to- 
wards Danvers. Here, situated at a little distance 
from the road, was a small hut among the bushes. 


06 


THE SOUL-BAHTEU. 


with a beaten footpath leading to it. Towards this 
hut Trevett took his way, and having reached the 
door he gave a rap. 

Who’s there cried a voice within. 

A friend/’ returned Trevett. 

‘^Ay — that’s a very easy word to speak,” came 
from the person inside; but it don’t often mean 
much. Who are you ?” 

Micah Trevett.” 

Aha ! All alonre !” 

^^Yes.” 

In a moment more the door was opened, and the old 
man was admitted. The individual whom we thus 
find was a peculiar-looking being. He was a short, 
thick-set man, somewliere about forty years of age, 
and of that peculiar cast of countenance where char- 
acter is not easily read. He looked shrewd, and, if he 
was a villain, he had the power to hide it from his 
face. 

^^You are out early this morning, Mr. Trevett,’^ 
said the man, as he pulled a chair up to the old stone 
fii'e-place, and motioned his visitor to be seated. 

^"Yes, Ithemar,” returned the old man. am 
out eari}^, for I have important business on my 
hands.” 

Ithemar looked sharply at his visitor, but he made 
no reply. Micah Trevett looked cautiously about the 
room — it was the only one in the house — and then he 
turned towards his companion. 

Are we alone ?” he asked. 


67 


THE SOUL-BARTER. 

Yes. I don’t have many visitors here.” 

No, I strppose not. There are hut few who know 
you.” 

As many as need he.’’ 

^^Yes, — of course,” returned Trevett. And then, 
after a moment’s pause, he added, It would not he 
very safe for you to he generally known.” 

Ah !” uttered Ithemar, with a sudden start. 

^‘0, don’t he alarmed. I only want to let you know 
that I understand your position. I know that you 
have been a pirate, and^that — ” 

Stop, stop. Look ye, Micah Trevett ; when I sailed 
on hoard your ship, I did my duty, and what I did be- 
fore, or with what I have done since, you have nothing 
to do. I don’t think,” he continued in a lower tone, 
that you would betray me, at all events.” 

Of course not,” returned the old man, slightly 
shrinking before the threatening look of the pirate. 

have come for a very different purpose, I assure 
you.” 

Well, then, let’s know what it is.” 

Do you want to earn money ?” asked Trevett, with 
a tremulousness in his tone which he could not avoid. 

^‘That depends on circumstances. First — how 

much ?” 

Why, as far as that matter, it shall he almost 
your own price.” 

Well, that’s fair, certainly. Few men could object 
to that part of the arrangement. Now for the rest.” 
Micah Trevett was not used to the kind of business 


68 


THE SOUL-BARTER. 


in which he had engaged, and he hesitated. He was 
now entering upon a path he had never trodden before 
though he had long been traveling in the road that 
led to it. He had once turned out from the true path 
of life — he had left the road of right — and now he was 
fast entering upon ways that were dark and dreary. 
Had he, years before, been pointed to the ground on 
which he now stood, he would have shuddered with 
horror, and his soul would have shrank from it as 
shrinks mankind from death. But, short-sighted, 
grasping man, he had leaped forth into the quag- 
mire, and now he was wallowing in its very 
depths. 

Ithemar,’’ said the old man, while his lip trembled, 
and his eye wandered uneasily about, ^^you must 
pledge me that you will not betray me, even if you 
don’t accept my proposal.” 

You may rely upon my secrecy, sir,” returned 
Ithemar. 

‘^Then,” said the old man with an effort, want 
you to — ” 

Go on, Mr. Trevett. No one hears or sees you 
but myself.” 

Ithemar forgot the great Eye that looks through all 
things, and perhaps Micah Trevett forgot it. 

There’s a man in Salem who is in my way,” con- 
tinued Trevett. I want him removed.” 

Ah — now you talk. Who is he ?” 

I do not think you know him. He has very re- 
cently arrived here from England.” 


THE SOUL-BARTER. 


69 


^^Not the man who landed from the English man-of- 
war?’^ said Ithemar. 

Yes — the same. But how did you know ?” asked 
Trevett, regarding his companion in much sur- 
prise. 

O, I chanced to be down on the wharf when he 
came in, and I saw him go off with Vincent Gray up 
to Pollock’s inn. I have my eyes about me, sir.” 

So it would seem,” said the old man in a troubled 
mood. ^ ‘ You say he went with young Gray ?” 

Yes — because it happened to be Gray who went 
out after him.” 

Ah, that’s the reason, was it?” returned the old 
man, appearing to be somewhat relieved by the ex- 
planation. 

I suppose so.” 

Young Gray has got himself into hot water,” re- 
sumed Trevett, seeming desirous to rest from the sub- 
ject he had broached. 

Ah,” was Ithemar' s reply, as he looked into his 
companion’s face. 

‘^Yes — he’s seized one of the king’s vessels, and 
changed her into a rebel cruiser.” 

What ?” uttered 4themar, starting from his seat; 

Vincent Gray seized an English vessel ?” 

Yes — a brigantine — the Spark.” 

I know that craft, and a beauty she is, too. And 
he has commenced cruising against the king ?” 

'‘Yes, the villainous rebel.” 

" He must be a rebel to do such a thing as that,” re- 


70 


THE SOUL-BARTER. 


turned Ithemar, with a look and tone Avliicli Micah 
Trevett could not analyze. 

So he is/’ said the latter, ^‘but I do not think he’ll 
run long without being brought up.” 

I don’t know,” thoughtfully replied Ithemar, sink- 
ing back upon his seat, and putting more wood upon 
the fire. He’s got a smart craft under him, and I 
know he’s a good sailor. If there’s a man in the col- 
onies that can sail his vessel, young Gray is the man. 
But go on with your business, sir. I want to hear the 
last of it.” 

‘‘Well, Ithemar, I want you to dispose of this 
Edward Thayer, as he calls himself ; and I want it 
done quickly, too. Now, will you do it ?” 

“How do you want him disposed of?” asked the 
pirate, with a keen searching look. 

Again Trevett hesitated. 

“ Come, come, sir, if you want me to do you a favor, 
you must surely tell me how it is to be done.” 

“ I want the fellow killed !” uttered the old man, with 
a shudder. 

“Now you talk.” 

‘ ‘ And will you do it ?” 

“ That depends on circumstances. What will you 
give me?” 

“ Name your price.” 

“Say a hundred pounds.” 

“ I will pay them to you,” uttered the old man with 
avidity. “ I will pay them now if you will promise to 
do the job.” 


thp: soul-barter. 


71 


No, no, — I’ll not take your money now. You 
shall pay me after I have done the work, and then 
there will be up grumbling*.” 

But will you do the work? May I depend upon you?” 

Of course I cannot promise that I will do it. The 
most I can promise is that I will try.” 

Well, Ithemar, if you will try, I can ask no more. 
When will you make the attempt?” 

soon as possible, and when it is done I will 
come and let you know.” 

Do not come by daylight.” 

0, no. I’ll come, if I come at all, when none will 
see me to know me.” 

Then I shall trust the affair with you,” said Mr. 
Trevett, arising’ and buttoning up his coat. Be 
careful in the matter, and if harm is likely to come to. 
you, I will help shield you from it.” 

Never mind that, sir,” returned Ithemar, with a 
strange smile. I will look out that no danger comes 
to me.” 

^Wery well, only do the work quickly, and let it be 
done surely.” 

Micah Trevett hastened away from Ithemar’s hut, 
as though he would escape from the business he had 
been doing. He walked back towards the town like 
one flees from some danger; but he fled in vain. He 
-could not escape the demon he had courted. The evil 
spirit was with him — it was part of him ; it had a 
home in his soul, and there it Avas gnawing at the 
very vitals of the man ! 


CHAPTER X. 


THE GUNNER. 

There was a wide, wild sensation produced by the 
seizure of the English brigantine by the patriots. 
The loyalists were startled with wonder and indigna- 
tion, and the patriots were awakened more keenly to 
a sense of their own powers and responsibilities. 
General Gage offered a large reward for the re-cap- 
ture of the brigantine, and Admiral Graves despatch- 
ed two corvettes and a brig to cruise after her. 

Vincent Gray was aware that the most strenuous 
exertions would be made to take him, and hence he 
kept out of the way until he could systematically drill 
his men ; for before he fairly entered the lists against 
those who might be more powerful than himself in re- 
gard to might and numbers, he desired that his men 
should at least have the advantage of thorough disci- 
pline. One thing alone needed more practice than all 
else, and that was, the handling of the guns, but he 
hoped soon to perfect his men in that branch of naval 
warfare. 

The Spark (Vincent did not see fit to change the 
vesseks name) had been a fortnight in the patriot's 
hands when our hero felt a desire to visit Salem. It 
was after dark when he came to anchor off the town, 


THE GUNNER. 


73 


and having’ left the vessel in charge of old Durkee, 
with injunctions that a strict watch should he kept, he 
lowered his boat and went on shore. He landed 
around on the north side of the town, and then told 
his boatmen that they might return to the brigantine, 
and also that he wished them to come for him at mid- 
night, and if he was not there at that time to wait for 
him. 

Our hero’s first movement was towards Pollock’s 
inn, for he had left his trunk there, and he had papers 
and clothing which he wished to obtain. It was eight 
o’clock when he reached the inn, and having noticed 
that there was quite a number of people in the bar- 
room, he went at once to the room he had formerly 
occupied, but he found the door locked. He therefore 
went to the next door and knocked, and it was soon 
opened by Edward Thayer. 

^^Upon my soul,” uttered the young Englishman, 
as he recognized his visitor, where upon earth did 
you come from ?” 

Hush !” returned Vincent, casting his eyes quick- 
ly over his shoulder. I think some one has followed 
me upstairs.” 

Thayer quickly brought a light, but no one was to 
be seen. 

I surely heard some one,” said Vincent, gazing 
carefully about. 

It may have been one of the boarders going to his 
room,” suggested Thayer. 

Ah, yes, I did not think of that,” returned Vim 


THE GUNNER. 


cent, as he followed his friend into the room and took 
a seat by the fire, having first, however, taken the 
precaution to lock the door upon the inside. 

Now, my dear Gray,” uttered Thayer, as soon as 
they were seated, tell me where you have been — 
what 3"ou’ve been doing*, and what you are going to 
do. I declare, I’ve been lonesome since you have been 
gone.” 

And have you not heard of my doings ?” asked 
Vincent. 

Yes, 0 , 3^es. Everybody has heard of it ; but I 
want the particulars from your own lips.” 

First, tell me if my things are safe in the other 
room ?” 

Yes. When you had gone I locked the door and 
took the key myself.” 

I did not know as our host would allow that.” 
as for that matter,” returned Thayer with a 
smile, I promised him that I would see that the rent 
of the room was paid, and so he let me keep the ke^^ 
Now don’t go to wasting thanks,” continued the 
speaker, as he saw that Vincent was about to reply, 
but tell me of your adventure, for I am anxious to 
hear it.” 

Vincent did thank him, nevertheless, and then he 
went on and related all the circumstances connected 
with the capture of the brigantine, and also of his sub- 
sequent movements. After he had concluded, Ed- 
ward Thayer remained for some time silent, but at 
length he said ; 


THE GUNNER. 


75 


Vincent, I should love to join you in your 
cruising*.’’ 

By my soul, Edward, you have the chance. 
Come — there is a berth for you.” 

No, no, I should love to do it, but circumstances at 
present forbid.” 

At this moment there was a rap at the door. 

Who is there ?” asked Thayer, rising from his seat. 

A friend,” returned the applicant. 

But who ? What’s your name ?” 

^‘I’ll tell you when I come in.” 

Who do you wish to see ?” 

^^Both of you.” 

repeated Vincent in a whisper ; it must 
be somebody, then, who know'S that 1 am here.” 

Hush ! I’ll see,” returned Thayer, and then turn- 
ing towards the door again, he asked : 

Who is it that you wish to see ?” 

^Wincent Gray and Edvrard Thayer. Come, let 
me in, for I may benefit you both. I am alone.” 

^^Let him in,” said Vincent. I am well armed, 
and if he means evil, he may get the worst of it.” 

Thayer unlocked the door, and the applicant entered. 
He approached the fire, and having thrown back the 
collar of the thick pea-jacket which he wore, and re- 
moved his hat, he turned his gaze upon our hero. 

What ?” exclaimed Vincent, starting up in sur- 
prised, Ithemar r 

Yes, Captain Gray,” exclaimed the new comer. 
‘‘ So it seems you know me.” 


Y6 


THE GUNNER. 


Who should ever forget you?” said our hero in 
reply, at the same time reseating himself. 

I shouldn’t suppose you would — at any rate, not 
so soon as this.” 

Are you acquainted with Mr. Thayer ?” 

No ; I only saw him when he landed with you.” 

O, I thought you knew him ?” said Vincent. And 
then turning towards Edward, he continued — This 
is Ithemar, Mr. Thayer. He sailed in the same ship 
with me several years, and though I cannot recom^ 
mend him to your friendship, yet he is one of the best 
seamen in the colonies.” 

Not very complimentary at all events,” said Ithe- 
mar, with a slight smile. 

And yet as much as I can afford to be.” 

Well, perhaps you are right ; but I ween that Mr. 
Thayer had better take me to his friendship than to 
his enmity.” 

Of course I had,” said Thayer, who had been re- 
garding Ithemar with considerable interest ; I would 
make an enemy of no man if it could be honestly 
avoided.” 

That’s the safest doctrine,” added Ithemar; and 
then turning to Vincent, he continued: There’s no 
use in looking too critically upon what’s passed. I 
have come here to-night to see you on particular busi- 
ness. I have watched here by the inn every night for 
a week, for I knew you would be likely to come here 
when you came ashore. Now I know just what you’ve 
been doing, and I want to join you. I want to ship on 


THE GUl^NER. 


17 


board your cruiser. Give me any berth you choose, 
only give me one of some sort.’^ 

Vincent Gray did not hesitate for a moment, for at 
at that instant he knew not of another man whom he 
would rather ship than the man who now applied to 
him. He knew the man to be an excellent seaman, a 
cool, brave fellow, and one who could be trusted on 
duty. He knew that Ithemar had been at some period 
of his life a rover of rather a questionable character — 
that he had, in fact, been a freebooter, but yet he felt 
that there was nothing positively evil in his disposi- 
tion. 

^^Do you understand handling heavy guns?^’ asked 
Vincent. 

I should like to see the man who can beat me in 
arranging a battery or in aiming a gun. I flatter my- 
self on that particular point, sir.’’ 

Then you are just my man,” exclaimed our hero, 
with considerable satisfaction. 

And you will give me a berth ?” 

Yes, you shall be my gunner.” 

Ithemar arose from his chair and extended his hand. 
There was a strange light in his eyes — a light that was 
brighter for the drops of moisture that were gathered 
there. 

Vincent Gray,” he said, with a slightly trembling 
lip, ^tyou are the first man who has trusted me for a 
long time, and you shall not regret it. There are men,” 
he continued, in a deeper and more meaning tone, 
who would trust me, but they do not know me, and 


^8 THE aUNNEK. 

in their trust they would make me a villain. I will 
accept your offer, sir, and all I can hope is, that I may 
live to leave a name behind me when I am gone, that 
some men, at least, shall honor. By the heavens above 
me, sir, you shall find that Ithemar can do his duty.^^ 

Both Gray and Thayer gazed upon the man with 
strangely swelling feelings. The former grasped him 
by the hand, and in a gentle tone said : 

I am not afraid to trust you, Ithemar, for I know 
you to be a man who never neglected his promised 
duty. And now when will you go on board the cruiser ?'* 

When you go.’* 

That will be to-night.’* 

Then so much the better. And now,” continued 
Ithemar, turning to Thayer, I have a word to say to 
you. I think you can be secret and judicious.” 

^^I think I can,” returned Edward, with indications 
of Avonder upon his countenance. 

Are you acquainted vpth Micah Trevett ?” 

I have seen him.” 

Ay, — and he has seen you. I wish to tell you in a 
sort of confidential way that you must beware of that 
man.” 

Ah !” uttered Thayer. 

^‘Yes,” returned Ithemar, ‘^you must beware of 
him, I will not leave you in the dark. Micah Trevett 
seeks your life !” 

‘'Seeks my life?” iterated Thaj’^er, starting from 
his seat. ‘ ‘ Do you know this to be a fact ?” 

Yes, I do.” 


THE GUNNER. 


Y9 

How 

‘‘ I .ought not to tell 3"ou that.’' 

O, stop not now ; tell me all^ for if this he true I 
would have the proof.'’^ 

Ithemar hesistated. 

Will it implicate any one else asked Vincent. 

'' None but Trevett.” 

Then why should you hesitate ?’ 

I do not know that I should,” thoughtfully, re- 
turned Ithemar. ‘‘I surely do it for the sake of jus- 
tice, and I may as well out with it.” 

Ay, tell me,” urged Thayer, ^Hiowyou know this.” 

Well, I will,^’ said Ithemar, speaking in a low 
tone ; Micah Trevett offered me one hundred pounds 
to kill you.” 

Edward Thayer turned pale with excitement — an 
excitement that drove the blood all away from his 
face, and made him tremble. 

By my soul I can hardly think that of Micah 
Trevett,’’ said Vincent. 

But I can though,” returned Thayer. I can be- 
lieve it,” he continued, the color coming back to his 
face. Aha, the villain knows me.” 

I speak the truth,” said Ithemar. Micah Trevett 
came to me, he told me that I had been a pirate, and 
he thought to engage me to do his murderous work ; 
but his man was mistaken. It was he who told me 
that Vincent Gray had become a rebel cruiser. I did 
not refuse to do his vmrk, for I resolved that I would 
warn his intended victim, and that I would also try to 


80 


l^HE GtTNNER. 


join the patriot cruiser. I have now done all that I 
could wish, and, Captain Gray, I am at your service.’" 

My dear sir,” said Thayer, I do not wish to in- 
sult you, but yet I will ask you to accept — ” 

Stop, stop,” interrupted Ithemar, I do not sell 
my friendship, but if you will accept it, it is yours 
freely.” 

I do accept it, sir,” warmly answered the young* 
Englishman, ^^and I hope I may see the day that I 
can repay you.” 

Perhaps you ma^^,” said Ithemar. You are on 
your guard now, and I advise you to be wary.” 

Don’t fear oh that account,” returned Thayer ; I 
will look to the fellow.” 

Edward,” said young Gray, with considerable 
earnestness in his tone, may I understand more of 
this?” 

^^No, no, Vincent; not now. Don’t ask me. Be- 
tween myself and Micah Trevett there is a deep ac- 
count to settle, and if I were to reveal it to you, I 
should break a solemn promise, and not benefit ycm, 
either.” 

Vincent asked no more. He was racked with curi- 
osity, but he had too much good sense to impose upon 
his companion’s friendship, so he turned the conversa- 
tion upon another topic. 

At length the landlord was sent for. He expressed 
much surprise at seeing Vincent, and, after his vocab- 
ulary of wonderment was exhausted, he was engaged 
to procure a team to cany our hero’s effects down to 


THE GUNNER. 


81 


the wharf. This having* been done — one of his own 
wagons being the vehicle, Vincent paid up his bill and 
superintended the removal of the things. Having 
promised that he would call upon Edward Thayer 
upon the first opportunity, our hero set off with the 
wagon, accompanied by Ithemar. 

It was nearly ten o’clock when the party reached 
the place where the brigantine’s boat had landed. 

.Vincent saw that his trunks were safely unloaded, 
and then he sent the wagon off. 

‘^Now, Ithemar, what say you to keeping guard here 
for a while?” 

''Anything you please, sir.” 

" Then I wish you would remain about here. 1 may 
not be back much before midnight.” 

Ithemar promised to look out for the trunks, and 
Vincent turned back up into the town. 


CHAPTER XL 


A FATHER’S CURSE. 

Whilst the scene recorded in the last chapter was 
going on, Olivia Trevett was alone in the small sitting- 
room of her father’s house. She looked paler than 
when we first saw her, and the marks of care were 
now clearly defined upon her brow. She had a book 
in her hand, but she had ceased reading, and the 
volume had fallen upon her knee. She was alone, for 
her father had gone, as he had told her, to attend a 
meeting of the loyalists, and the servants bad retired. 

The maiden gazed upon the fiame as it curled up 
from the hearth, and her eye followed each fantastic 
wreath of smoke as it took its way up the wide- 
mouthed chimney. She murmured short sentences to 
herself — sentences full of grief and sorrow, and anon 
she would cast her eyes towards the windows as some 
gust of wind rattled the shutters. She had just put 
more wood upon the fire, and had sat back and re- 
opened her book, when her attention was arrested by 
the sound of footsteps without. At first she thought 
it was her father, but as they did not approach the 
door she concluded that it must be some one else. 
While she was yet hesitating to see if she could hear 


A father’s curse* 


83 


the footsteps, she thought she heard her name pro- 
nounced. In an instant the blood rushed to her face, 
and she sprang to the window. She saw the outlines 
of a man revealed against the white snow, and she 
knew that it was Vincent Gray. She went to the door 
and called his name. 

Olivia,” said our hero — for it was really he— I 
must speak with you a moment.” 

He spoke in a low tone — almost a whisper — and at 
the same time cautiousl^^ approached the door. 

'' I am alone,” returned Olivia. 

In a moment more the young man was by her side, 
and she led the way to the room she had just left. 

Alone, did you say ?” asked Vincent, as he entered 
the sitting-room and gazed about him. 

Yes. My father has gone away, and will not be 
back until midnight.” 

“ O, that is fortunate,” uttered the young man, as 
he pressed the maiden to his bosom and kissed her. 

I feared that I might not see you,” he continued, as 
he took a seat, ^^for I cannot remain long upon the 
shore, and yet I should not have been happy to 
have gone away without one word of blessing from 
you.” 

And I shall be happier now that you have called 
to see me,” returned Olivia. 

She had seated herself by her lover’s side, and her 
head was reclining upon his shoulder. 

^^You look very sad, Olivia,” said Vincent, as he 
gazed into his companion’s face. 


84 


A father’s curse. 


And why should I not he sad ?” returned the maiden. 

Alas ! you know not what I suffer.’' 

Yes, I do. I know that you must suffer much- 
more than it is right you should suffer, and I have 
come now to offer you help from the trials you here 
pass through.^^ 

Olivia gazed up into her lover^s face. How can 
you help me T’ she asked. 

How ? Why you shall leave the place where you 
are so miserable ; you shall flee from the roof where 
all is harshness, and accept the boon of peace from me. 
I can find you a house, dearest girl — a home where, 
you shall be safe till I can furnish a house for us both. 
Come, will you accept the proposal T’ 

The fair girl was thoughtful, and the tears that had 
started to her eyes dried away. Her head was bent 
for some moments, and when she at length raised it 
there was almost a smile upon her features. 

^^No, no, Vincent,’^ murmured Olivia, would 
rather stay where I am for the present. I appreciate 
your kindness, and I am grateful for it, but I cannot 
accept your proposal now. Go on in the path you have 
chosen, and be assured that I shall not forget you. 
Whenever I hear of your success, I shall be happ3^, 
and at some time — when 3"ou can settle down — when 
3^ou can offer me a home at your side — then — then I 
will be yours.” 

I bless you for that assurance ; but even then you 
will have to flee from j- our father, for he will never 
consent to our union.’’ 


A father’s curse. 


85 


Then I shall not hesitate to disobey nim/’ quickly 
^ returned Olivia, ^^and if in that I do wrong*, may God 
forgive me.’^ 

It can be no wrong,” earnestly added Vincent, 
for it is but the securing of a boon which God him- 
self hath meant for all his creatures. O, I wish you 
would leave this place now ; but if you really think you 
ought not, I will not urge it, for you would not be 
happy ; but forgive me if I speak too plainly — Micali 
Trevett is not — ” 

— sh !” interrupted the maiden ; he is my father.” 
Vincent Gray did not say what he intended to have 
said. He felt the gentle rebuke, and a moment’s reflec- 
tion showed him that Olivia suffered enough already 
from knowing the truth, without having it spoken by 
others’ lips. 

I will not speak a word to hurt your feelings,” he 
said ; but yet I do not think you know your father so 
well as I know him.” 

Ah, Vincent, I know him well enough. God for- 
bid that I should know more.” 

Olivia shuddered as she spoke, and buried her face 
in her lover’s bosom. Vincent spoke kindly to her ; 
he whispered words of love into her ear, and ere long 
she looked up and smiled again. It was some time ere 
our hero thought of Micah Trevett again, for the foun- 
tain of his heart’s love was opened and he poured forth 
such sweet, tender words that the maiden’s cheeks 
glowed as they were wont to glow in years gone by. 
Time flew on unheeded. Minutes dwindled away sq 


86 


A father’s curse. 


swiftly that even hours were unheeded, and the first 
startling* summons that aroused young* Gray to his 
senses, was the clanging of the clock-hammer behind 
him. He looked up and it was midnight ! 

My soul, how the time has fled !” he uttered, as he 
started up from the seat. 

The maiden gazed tremblingly up at the clock. 

knew not that it was so late,” she said. ^^My 
father will be back ere long. O, he must not find you 
here.” 

^‘No, he shall not; but one question I must ask be- 
fore I go. I forgot it till now. Edward Thayer has 
been here ?” 

Yes.” 

And what of him ? What do you know about him ?” 

Nothing at all : only he came here and left a letter 
with my father.” 

‘^Did your father speak of him after he had 
gone ?” 

^^Yes. He was considerably^ moved by the letter, 
and so he was by the young man’s appearance. There 
is a mystery about the affair, but it is all dark to me.” 

‘ ‘ I would like to know what it is, but it must pass 
now.” 

You can be no more curious about the affair than I 
am,” returned Olivia, for I know that my father 
fears that man.” 

‘‘ Yes, I know he does,” said Vincent, with a shudder. 

But I must go now. When I come again J will not 
fail—” 


A father’s curse. 


87 


Hark !” uttered Olivia. O, there is my father’s 
step. Hasten — hasten by the other door.” 

But before Vincent could reach the back entry, he 
Avas confident that Micah Trevett had entered the hall, 
and if such was the case, he could not avoid being- 
seen. His soul shrank from the idea of being detected 
in the act of sneaking away from the premises. 

^^It is too late,” he said, turning to Olivia and im- 
printing a hurried kiss upon her pure Avhite brow. 

I would rather this had not have happened, but it 
cannot be helped.” 

The maiden had no chance to reply, for almost be- 
fore her lover had done speaking, her father entered 
the room. The first object that met his eyes after he 
entered, was Vincent Gray. He stopped and gazed a 
moment upon the young man, and then he took another 
step forward. His face was pale, and the sudden anger 
made him weak. It Avas not until Vincent had started 
toAvards the door that he recovered himself.’’ 

“Hold, you young villain,” he gasped.. ^^Stop 
AA^here you are. Noav what brings you here, creeping 
into my home Avhen I am gone ?” 

The eyes of the young patriot captain flashed, and 
his bosom heaved with indignation. 

Speak, sir, and tell me why you are here,” ex- 
claimed Trevett, still pale Avith rage. 

“ I came to see your daughter, sir, Now Avhat 
boots it ?” 

You forgot that I forbade you ever to enter my 
doors again. ” 


88 


A father's curse. 


No, sir. I remembered it well ; and I also remem- 
bered that I did not promise to obey you.’’ 

By the saints above me, young rebel, I have a 
mind to — ” 

Hold, Micah Trevett. Beware how you threaten ! 
I, too, may have a mind, and if I should, ’twould be a 
bitter one for you.” 

Trevett quailed a moment before the glance of the 
young man, but it was only for a moment. On the 
next he had regained himself. He looked once more 
upon the intruder, and then he walked nervously to 
the door and opened it. 

Now, dog !” he uttered, there is the door. Go ! 
Come here again and you shall rue it — go !” 

Captain Gray was for a moment completely para- 
lyzed. It did not lay in his power to obey such an 
order as that. His whole soul shrank from it with 
loathing. He saw that Olivia was trembling with 
fear and apprehension, and he knew that the sooner 
he left, the better it would be ; but he could not go 
under that command. 

Are you going,” cried Trevett, taking a step to- 
wards the young man, and still pointing towards the 
door. 

Not by your order, sir,” quickl}^ returned our hero, 
while his eyes flashed more brilliantly than before. 

Of my own free will I shall go; but never for such 
a command as you have given.” " 

Aha !” gasped the now raving man, between his 
clenched teeth. I’ll help you, then.” 


A father’s curse. 


89 


Micali Trevett forgot himself ; he sprang upon Vin- 
cent and seized him h}^ the collar, and as he attempted 
to drag him towards the door he cursed the young 
man with a bitter oath. Vincent Gray had been 
driven as far as human endurance could go before, 
and this vile outrage went beyond the bearing power 
of his impulsive soul. With all his wmndrous strength, 
he seized the villain by the throat, and hurled him off. 
Micah Trevett struck with a stunning crash upon the 
opposite wall of the room, and then fell senseless to 
the floor. 

Olivia uttered a quick cry as she saw the form of 
her father settle upon the floor, and both she and Vin- 
cent reached the spot at the same instant. 

O, God knows I could not help it !” groaned the 
young man. ^^He drove me to it. O, Olivia, can you 
forgive me for this ?” 

^^Yes, yes, Vincent," at once returned the fair 
girl. You were not to blame. Go, now. I forgive 
3^ou, for I feel that you did no wrong.” 

God bless you !” It was all that the young man 
could say, for he saw that Micah Trevett was moving, 
and he wished to avoid another encounter ; so, seizing 
his hat, he left the place. 

Is he gone ?” whispered the old man, after he had 
found a chair and sank into it. 

Yes,” tremblingly returned Olivia. 

Micah Trevett was pale as marble, and his hands 
were clutched firmly together. Slowly he turned his 


00 


A father’s curse. 


eyes upon the fire, and then he looked ag’ain upon his 
child. 

“Olivia,” he said, in a tone of dreadful calmness, 
“ never speak with Vincent Gray again. If you ever 
dare to listen to one word of love from him — if jmu 
ever think of giving him your hand — if jmu dare to 
break my orders again, then — ” 

But we will not write the words which that mad old 
man spoke. It was a terrible curse; and, when he had 
done speaking, the poor, girl sank fainting upon the 
floor. The curse was so fearful that it fell upon her 
almost with a death-stroke. 


CHAPTER XII, 


THE OAKEN BOX. 

When Vincent Gray reached the spot where he had 
left Ithemar in charge of the trunks, he found that the 
boat had been some time waiting for him. Ithemar 
had already placed himself on good terms with the 
boat’s crew, and the luggage was all on board. 

I’ve kept you w^aiting longer than I expected,” 
said our hero, as he stepped on board the boat. Have 
you managed to keep warm, Ithemar?” 

0, yes ; I’ve had excitement.” 

Ah,” uttered Vincent, detecting something pe- 
culiar in the man’s tone. 

Yes. I’ll tell you as soon as we put off.” 

As soon as the boat was well out into the stream, 
Ithemar turned towards our hero, and speaking in a 
tone so low that the oarsmen could not hear him, he 
said : 

I have had a visit from Micah Trevett. He 
stumbled across me accidentally, though I found be- 
fore he left me that he had been out to my old quarters 
to-night on purpose to see me. I had taken a turn up 
into the street, and was pacing carelessly along^ when 
the old villain crossed my hawse, and run bump afoul 
of me,’ 


92 


THE OAKEN BOX. 


And what was his business ?” 

About young Thayer. O, he swore right jolly be- 
cause I had not killed the youngster ; and he even 
began to threaten me, but I clapped a stopper on that, 
I can assure ye. I told him, finall}^, that I’d given up 
the job, and I think he’ll take another tack, now. He 
heard the men coming up from the boat, which landed 
while w^e w^ere talking, so he up helm and steered off. 
I hope Thayer ’ll be on the lookout.” 

So do I,” returned Vincent ; and I think he will. 
He seems to be a shrewd fellow, and I hope he’ll prove 
himself so.” 

^^He’s got a fair warning, at any rate,” returned 
Ithemar; though I must say he’s got a dangerous 
row to hold, for such an enemy as Micah Trevett is 
worse than a real bold villain. Of all enemies, the 
downright coward is the most dangerous.” 

You are right there, Ithemar ; you are right there. 
Upon my soul, I pray that Edward Thayer may be 
upon his guard. I have half a mind to turn back now, 
and Avarn him of this new danger.” 

O, I have attended to that. I went into the pot- 
house on the corner, and Avrote him a letter, and*^ the 
tapster promised to put it into the office in the morn- 
ing. So the young gentleman will not suffer for want 
of information.” 

I am really glad you Avere so thoughtful, Ithe- 
mar.” 

So am I, and I hope ’twill be the means of helping 
Thayer, too/’ 


THE OAKEN BOX. 


93 


No doubt of it/’ said Vincent. 

Ere long’ the boat reached the brigantine, and 
shortly after the vessel was got under weigh, and 
stood off to the eastward. On the next morning, 
Ithemar was introduced to the crew, and Avhen he 
took his station as gunner of the cruiser, there was 
not a dissenting voice to his appointment. As soon 
as opportunity offered, the new gunner went to work 
to drill the men at the guns, and he showed himself to 
be not only perfectly acquainted with all the minutiae 
of gunneiy, but he also gave some valuable hints Avith 
regard to the rigging of the guns. In short. Captain 
Gray had reason to be thankful for the acquisition he 
had thus made. 

Leaving the patriot cruiser to pursue her course in 
quest of adventure, let us return to the inn at Salem. 
It Avas the third morning from that on Avhich Vincent 
Gray had last been there, and EdAvard Thayer Avas 
alone in his chamber. He had been perusing the let- 
ter he had received from Ithemar, for the twentieth 
time, at least. The missive Avas coarsely Avritten in 
chirography, but the language Avas pure and good, 
betraying the Avriter to possess not only a good educa- 
tion, but also much originality and genius. 

Thayer Avas sitting at his table, and Jiad just pushed 
Ithemar’s missive from him, when some one knocked 
at his door, and quickly taking up the letter he had 
been re-perusing, he thrust it into his pocket, and then 
asked Avho Avas there at the door. 

The landlord,” came back in Pollock’s blunt tones. 


94 


THE OAEEK BOX. 


A — then come in.” 

A letter, sir,” said mine host, as he laid the mis- 
sive upon the table, ^^and with a lordl}^ looking seal 
too.” 

And how did it come ?” asked the young man, as 
he picked the letter up. 

‘^By the post, to-night, from Boston. A shillin^ to 
pay.” 

Thayer handed Pollock the shilling, and as soon as 
the latter had gone, the young man opened the letter 
and began to read. It was from the commodore who 
had landed him at Salem, and run as follows : 

Providence House, Boston, March 30, 1778. 

“ Deak Edward, — I received yours of the 23d, and 
have taken some pains to look up the intelligence you 
need. Micah Trevett is your man. You had better 
proceed against him at once. The papers you possess 
are all pure, and you need not fear for the re- 
sult. 

I am ordered back to England at once, and I am 
glad of it, for I have seen just enough of matters here 
to assure me that there must be a struggle between 
the colonies and the king, and with that struggle I 
would have nothing to do. My oath of office would 
not let me fight for the colonies, and God would not 
let me fight against them. I hope and pray that it 
may be a bloodless struggle, but I fear that it cannot 
be so. 

^^If you have letters to send to England, get them 


THE OAKEN BOK. 


95 


to me by the tenth of next month. See me when you 
can. Yours, Montague.” 

P. S. — Tear this as soon as you have read it, or I 
ma}^ be thought a rcftcZ. M. 

. Ay, Montague,” murmured the young man to 
himself, as he twisted the letter and then threw it into 
the fire. Ihl destroy the letter, and people shall not 
know that you are an honest man. I know you, how- 
ever, for an honest fellow, and I pray that you may 
be blessed wherever you go.” 

Thayer watched the paper he had thrown into the 
fire until the last particle was reduced to ashes, and 
then he arose from his chair and went to his trunk, 
from whence he took a small oaken box, the outer sur- 
face of which was almost covered with its bindings of 
burnished metal. Having gone back to his chair, he 
laid the box upon the table and unlocked it. It was 
full of papers, and one after another he took them out 
and read them. Most of them bore heavy seals, and 
had the appearance of being legal documents. 

Ah, Micah Trevett, you have run your race,’’ so- 
liloquized the young man, as he placed the papers 
back into the box, and turned the key. You have 
missed the hour of your triumph.” 

As Thayer ceased speaking, he gazed thoughtfully 
into the fire. One hand rested upon the cover of the 
box, and the other was pressed upon his brow. In 
this position he was sitting, when he thought he heard 
a noise at one of his windows. There were two win- 


96 


THE OAKEN BOX. 


dows to his room, one of them overlooking the street, 
and the other looking out upon the passageway that 
led from the inn to the stable. It ivas at this latter 
window that Thayer thought he heard the noise, and 
thither he hastened. He looked out upon the roof of 
the passageway, but he could see nothing. 

^^It was only the flapping’ of some loose shingle,” 
he muttered to himself, as he returned to his seat ; 

that was all.” 

Again he heard something that sounded like a 
scrambling upon the roof, and again he went to the 
window, but could see nothing. This time he opened 
the window and looked out, but everything was as it 
should be, so far as he could see. He ought to have 
opened the window before. 

At eleven o’clock Thayer retired, but before he did 
so, he carefully loaded his pistols and placed them 
under his pillow. The noise he had heard at the win- 
dow occasioned him to take this precaution. He set 
his candle upon the mantle-shelf, and left it burning. 

For a long while after he laid his head ui^on his pil- 
low he remained perfectl^^ wakeful. The information 
he had received in regard to the intentions of Micah 
Trevett made him somewiiat anxious, to say the least, 
and he desired to close his business with that man as 
soon as possible. He could not help wishing that he 
had received Montague’s letter at an earlier date ; for, 
brave though he was, yet there was a mysterious fear 
upon him which he could not exorcise — a fear that 
made him wakeful and uneas3^ 


THE OAKElSf BOX. 


97 


At length, however, Edward Thayer slept, but his 
sleep Avas by no means a sound one. It was troubled 
by bad dreams. Once he dreamed that some one was 
tiying’ to force his windoAv ; but he aAVoke and found 
everything as he had left it, and again he sank into a 
slumber. < 

When he next awoke, he had been startled by a 
sharp, rattling noise, and he found his candle had gone 
out and left him almost in total darkness. He felt a 
current of air strike his face, too, and he quickly com- 
prehended that his window must be open. It took 
him but a moment to call his senses together, and 
Avithout noise he reached under his pilloAV and obtained 
both his pistols, one of Avhich he carefully cocked. 

This being done, the young man silently raised his 
head and listened. For some time all Avas quiet, save 
the fitful gusts that came in at the AvindoAV, which 
Edward knew now to be open. ■ Ere long, hoAvever, he 
heard a slight rustling noise near the foot of his bed, 
and in a moment more he was sure that some one Avas 
moving there. His first impulse was to leap from his 
bed, but a moment’s reflection showed him that such 
a course would by no means be a judicious one, so he 
remained Avhere he Avas. 

It might have been a minute after this that EdAvard 
saAV a dark object pass between the foot of his bed and 
the street windoAv. He raised his pistol, but before he 
could fire, the object Avas lost in the darkness, and as 
he did not Avush to risk a shot, he determined to wait 
and take advantage of the next favorable opportunity, 


98 


THE OAKEN BOX. 


for lie had not the least doubt that the individual in 
his room had come to assassinate him. The next 
sound that met his ear, however, caused him to start 
up with a new fear. He was confident that his strange 
visitor was getting out at the wdndow. 

Edward Thayer leaped from his bed and hastened to 
the wdndow, which was really open, and he saw a man 
just jumping from the roof of the passageway. For 
a moment he thought of following, but that was a wild 
thought, and it passed quickly away. He would have 
given the alarm, but that would only make an affair 
public which, for the present, he had reasons for keep- 
ing private. 

The young man was becoming chilled at the window, 
so he shut it down and turned towards his bed, where 
he sat down to think. He had no doubt that the man 
who had been in his room was an emissary fromMicah 
Trevett, and that he had come to murder him, but that 
from some cause he had become frightened and hence 
had fied. 

As soon as Thaj^er thought he had satisfied himself 
on the point, he went to the fire-place and raked open 
the embers, and having found a coal large enough for 
the purpose, he re-lighted the caudle, which had been 
blown out by the gust from the open w’indow. Hav- 
ing done this, he proceeded to draw on his clothing, 
for it was very cold ; and he had about half dressed 
himself when he noticed that his trunk was open. He 
was sure that he had shut it and locked it after he had 
returned the box of papers back to it. 


THE OAKEN BOX. 


99 


With a startling' fear the youth sprang* towards the 
trunk. The lock was broken and the contents were all 
in confusion. He searched the trunk all through — he 
looked through every corner of the room — ^lie examin- 
ed his other articles and boxes — ^hut he could not find 
what he sought. The oaken box with all its priceless 
contents was gone. 

Edward Thayer gazed for a moment upon the spot 
where he had placed the box, and then, with a groan 
of anguish, he sank upon a chair. The loss he had 
sustained could not he counted. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


THE PRICE OP CRIME. 

It was not yet daylig'lit ; it lacked a full hour of 
dawn, when an individual emerged from a low pot- 
house near one of the wharves, and took his way up 
into the town. He was muffled up in a great bear- 
skin coat, and his cap was pulled down over his face. 
There was no need of this precaution for the sake of 
concealment, for it was so dark that his features could 
not be recognized by the nearest passer, but the man 
seemed to hide himself instinctively, as though he 
feared even his own presence. He hurried on with 
quick steps, sometimes walking ankle-deep in the slush 
of the late March thaw, and often slipping upon the 
half-melted ice, but never stopping to take note of his 
mishaps, or to guard against their repetition. 

Thus the pedestrian kept on until he reached the 
dwelling of Micah Trevett. Here he stopped, and 
having stood a moment at the door, as though unde- 
cided as to what course he should pursue, he gently 
touched the metal knocker. In a few moments the 
sound of a footstep was heard in the hall, and then 
came the voice of Mr. Trevett asking who was there. 

‘‘ It is me,” returned the applicant, in alow, hurried 
tone, crouching nearer to the door as he spoke. 


THE PRICE OP CRIME. 


101 


Well, and who is me asked Trevett, from with- 
in. 

Jonas Pool,’’ almost whispered the pedestrian, 
placing* his lips close to the keyhole. 

The door was slightly opened, and the eyes of Mr. 
Trevett peered out upon the applicant. As soon as 
the old man seemed to have gained a view of his caller, 
by the aid of a small lamp which he held in his hand, 
he opened the door more widely, and bade the man 
come in. Having closed the door and locked it, Tre- 
vett beckoned his visitor to follow him, and then led 
the way up-stairs to a small room in which was the 
merchant’s library. Here ther^. was a large lamp 
burning upon the table, and there were numerous 
boxes and packages lying about, looking as though 
they had been recently packed up. 

Micah Trevett motioned his visitor to a seat, and 
then sat down himself near the small stove that heated 
the room. As soon as the new-comer was seated, he 
threw back the collar of his coat, and laid his cap on 
the floor by his side. He was a young man, not over 
thirty at the farthest, and his face was pale in the ex- 
treme. He had a very intelligent look, and had it not 
been for marks of dissipation upon his features, he 
wouldJiave been decidedly handsome. 

''Well,” nervously spoke Trevett, after he had 
gazed awhile upon the pale features of the young man, 
"have you been to the inn ?” 

"Yes,” whispered Jonas Pool, resting his left hand 
upon the table at which the old man had been writing, 


102 


THE PRICE OF CRIME. 


!” uttered Trevett, there’s blood upon your 

hand !” 

No, no,” gasped Pool. 

Yes, there is. You should have washed it before 
you came here.” 

Blood ! where ?” said Pool. 

Upon your hand. See !” 

The young man looked at his left hand, and he saw 
where the blood had trickled down upon the under 
side of it, from the fingers to the wrist. 

^‘But never mind now,” resumed Trevett, ^^you 
shall wash it before you go from here. You found the 
young man’s room ?” 

Yes.” 

You disturbed no one ?” 

Only Edward Thayer.” 

^^Yes; of course. But he made no outcry — no 
noise ; he startled no one else?” 

Not that I know of.” 

Good ! And you are sure you finished him.” 

Finished him !” repeated Pool. 

Ay — killed him.” 

No, no, I did not do that; I could not.” 

What?” uttered Trevett, starting forward in his 
seat. Did you miss the stroke ?” 

^^No, no ; I did not try it; I could not take his 
life.” 

^^Fool! coward!” bitterly exclaimed the old man, 
as he clenched his fists and sank back into his chair. 

^^Hold, sir,” cried the young man, brought back to 


THE PRICE OF CRBIE. 


103 


himself by the merchant’s taunts : do not spit upon 
me now.” 

But why did you not do the work you engaged? 
If you did not attempt the job, then how came that 
blood upon your hand ?” 

I cut it on the ice when I got down from the stable- 
roof.” 

And so that’s the only blood you have spilled ! O, 
what a coward !” 

^^Call me a coward if you please, sir,” returned 
Pool, with a flushed cheek, but I should have been a 
coward if I had killed that man in his bed. You know 
I am poor, and you know I have been a dissolute 
man, and when you offered me so large a sum to do 
the murder, I thought I could do it ; but, sir, I could 
not. Hold, one moment,” he continued, as he noticed 
that the old man was about to speak, I did not come 
away entirely bootless. See if there is anything in 
there that can be of service to you.” 

As Pool ceased speaking, he drew a small oaken box 
from beneath his coat, and placed it upon the table. 
The key was in the lock. 

Ah — what means this ?” asked Trevett, drawing 
the box towards him, with a look of amazement. 
Where did you get it ? What is it ?” 

« I’ll tell you, sir,” returned Pool., I got up on to 
the shed, where I could look into the young man’s 
window, and I just saw him opening this box. He 
took out a lot of papers, and after he had looked them 
over and put them back, I heard him talk to himself 


104 : 


THE PRICE OF CRIME. 


about you, and I found out from wliat lie said that in 
those papers he had some strong* evidence against you. 
I saw him put the box back into his trunk, and then he 
locked it. And he must have heard me, for he came 
to the window and looked out, but I crouched down, 
and he did not see me. And afterwards, when I got 
down off the shed, he must have heard me again, for 
he came to the window, and this time he opened it, but 
I was out of sight. After I knew he had gone to bed, 
I got on to the shed roof again and looked into his 
room. He had left his candle burning, but I made 
out to hoist the window without noise, and the 
wind blew the candle out. When I got into the room 
I meant to have killed the sleeper, but my heart was 
too strong for me.” 

Too weak you mean,’^ interrupted Trevett. 

^ ‘ No ; too strong ; for it held out against the tempta- 
tion that had turned my brain. If my heart had been 
weak, I could have overcome it. I could not do the 
bloody deed, but I resolved that I would do something 
for you, so I took my knife and broke open the trunk, 
and got this box. When I snapped the trunk-lock, I 
must have startled Thayer, for I am sure I heard 
him move; but I got off without being detected, 
though it was a narrow chance. And now, sir, if those 
papers are of any value to you, you may pay me what 
you will, but not for all the gold you possess would I 
now take a human life in cold blood. I have this night 
learned a lesson which I shall never forget.” 

It may have been that Micah Trevett also had re- 


THE PRICE OF CRIME. 


106 


ceived some glimmering' of bitter truth from what he 
had heard, for his lips quivered, and his eyes fell 
to the floor ; but the puncture of his conscience was 
not very deep, for he soon recovered himself, and with- 
out speaking ^he drew the oaken box to his lap and 
oiiened it. 

The first thing that met his gaze was a bundle of 
papers, neatly folded and tied with red tape ; these he 
began to examine. At first he trembled, and for 
some time his emotions seemed to be almost over- 
powermg, but at length he became calm, and what of 
feeling he experienced was all inward, for he expressed 
none of it upon his countenance. 

Carefully he examined each paper that the box con- 
tained, and when he had flnished the task h6 replaced 
the documents, and having locked the box, he placed 
the key in his pocket. 

You have done well slowly and emphatically 
pronounced Micah Trevett, as he looked the young 
man in the face. 

thought the papers would be of value to you.” 

They are,’’ replied the old man, without betraying 
any feeling save what his words might convey. 

As he spoke, he placed his hand in bis pocket and 
drew his purse. He counted therefrom ten golden 
guineas, which he handed to the young man. 

‘‘ Here,” he resumed, ^^take these and use them as 
you see fit. Will that pay you ?” 

Yes, sir— O, yes,” said Jonas Pool, as he grasped 
Ihe money and put it in his pocket. 


106 


THE PRICE OP CRIME. 


Then I hope you will he secret about this matter. 
Your own safety deinancls it.’’ 

I shall not run my neck into danger ; and I know 
there are no means of detecting me.” 

Micah Trevett l^new from the young man’s manner 
that his secrecy could be relied on, and he felt safe. 

^^You had better go now,” he said. ^‘It will be 
daylight ere long, and you must not be seen here. If 
I want you again, I shall know where to find you.” 

Jonas Pool made no reply, but he arose from his 
seat and put on his hat. The merchant lighted him 
downstairs, and having bade him once more to be 
secret, he let him out at the door. 

When the young man reached the street, he hurried 
towards his home, with quick, nervous strides. This 
was the first time he had ever done a wrong deed for 
hire. He had long been a spendthrift, and once, in a 
drunken brawl, he had stabbed a man. From such 
causes he had gained a notoriety, and Mr. Trevett had 
hit upon him as a fit person to do the work he had in 
hand. At the first offer of a large sum of gold. Pool 
had promised to do the deed, but when he did so, he 
did not know his own heart. That heart had been so 
long seared and overrun by petty crime and debauch- 
ery, that even its owner did not know its real worth, 
but w^hen he thus dragged it up from its resting-place, 
he found more of humanity in it than he had expected. 

Jonas Pool hurried on, and the gold jingled in his 
pocket. He had always thought that the music of 
gold would be pleasant, but he did not find it so now. 


THE PRICE OF CRIME. 


.107 


He saw the pleasant face of the young man whom he 
had robbed, and he contrasted it with the face of the 
bad man whom he had wickedly served. His heart 
smote him. He had awakened from a moral sleep of 
years to find that he still had a soul. 

Jonas Pool hurried on, but he pressed his hand upon 
his pocket to stop the jingle of the gold. Its sharp 
music was painful to him, and he hushed it ! 


y 

CHAPTER XIV. 


THE HIGHWAYMEN. 

As soon as Micali Trevett was once more alone in 
his library, his face assumed an exultant look, and he 
placed his hands upon the oaken box with a decisive 
movement. 

You may live, my young* man,’’ he muttered to 
himself, while his eyes gleamed with satisfaction, 

You may live, so long as you do not cross my path 
again. But you have lost your hoarded documents — 
you have lost the proof of the story you would tell. 
And yet,” he continued, sinking into a chair, and bow- 
ing his head upon his hand, I am not wholly safe 
while you live. I would rather you were dead, and 
these papers were with you. But while you live I’ll 
keep these.” 

It was broad daylight when Trevett aroused him- 
self from the reverie into which he had fallen, and his 
first movement was to hide the box which he had re- 
ceived from Jonas Pool. Next, he went at work to fin- 
ish packing up some articles which he had arranged 
for that purpose before Pool came in. By the time 
this was accomplished, his breakfast was ready. 

After he had eaten his morning’s meal, he called 
Olivia to his library. She was struck with amazement 


a:HE tllGHWAYMEN. 


m 


at the state of things in her father’s room^ for she 
knew that some radical change in affairs was about to 
take place. 

child,” said the old man, what things you 
possess separate from my store ; you must at once 
pack up. Get your jewelry and clothing together as 
soon as possible.” 

^^But why this movement, father?” asked the fair 
girl, looking up with painful wonder. 

Because I am going to leave this place at once. I 
have sold the house and all the furniture, and at the 
hour of noon a carriage will be at the door to take us 
away.” 

And whither are you going ?” 

Never mind. Be you ready to accompany me, and 
ask no questions.” 

^^But do you mean that you will go at the noon of 
to-day?” 

Yes, and there must be no delay. Whether you 
are ready or not, you will go ; so you had better hasten 
and do the most you can.” 

Olivia knew that further words with her father would 
be useless, so she withdrew from his presence and went 
to her own chamber ; but it was some time before she 
set about obeying her parent’s commands. She sat 
down in a chair by the side of her bed and gave way to 
the painful thoughts that came crowding upon her. 
In regard to the movements of her father, she had a 
faint glimmering of the truth. She felt confident that 
it was in some way connected with the appearance of 


110 


THE HiaHWAYMEK. 






Edward Thayer — that her father feared that young 
man, and that his present desire was to escape him. 
Thus much she felt confident of. Then she thought of 
Vincent Gray, and that she wished she had gone with 
liim when he first asked her. When he had spoken to 
her of fleeing from the tyranny of her father, she had 
felt a tie for the home of her childhood, hut now that 
tie was to he severed, she wished that she were any- 
where, so that her lover might he with her. 

But Olivia Trevett dared not waste too much time 
in repining. She knew that if her father found her not 
ready he would he angry with her, so she arose from 
her seat and set about packing up her things. One 
large trunk contained all that she wished to carry, and 
just as she had finished packing, her father entered 
her chamber. 

Ah, you have been obedient for once,” he said, as 
he noticed that Olivia was all ready. 

am all prepared,” returned the maiden. 

So I see. And now you had better dress yourself, 
and then get your dinner as soon as possible. The 
carriage is here.” 

Olivia looked for a moment into the stern face of her 
father, and then she burst into tears. She was miser- 
able, very miserable. 

What means all this?^’ uttered the old man, with 
marked displeasure, Why are you shedding those 
tears 

Because I am unhappy,” was the fair girl’s sim- 
ple reply. 


THE HIGHWAYMEN. 


Ill 


Micali Trevett did not speak further ; he only looked 
for a moment into the face of the weeping* girl, and 
then he turned and left the room. 

It ivas one o’clock when Olivia Trevett was helped 
into the carriage that was to convej^ her from Salem. 
It was a covered vehicle — the front seat of which was 
removed to make room for the trunks and boxes, leav- 
ing the back seat to be occupied by the father and 
child. 

Mr. Trevett got in, and the door was closed after 
him, and shortly afterwards the carriage started on. 
Olivia asked her father where he was going, but he 
gave her no answer. 

You will tell me, at least,” urged Olivia, ^^if you 
are going far away . ’ ’ 

Yes ; I am going far away,” returned Trevett 
with sudden energy. I am going where you will 
not be troubled with any more of your quandom lov- 
ers.” 

The poor girl sank back in her seat, for she had no 
more to say. Her father had no affection now in his 
words ; he had no love for her in his acts ; he had no 
feeling for her in his language, and she remained si- 
lent, a prey to her sad thoughts. 

The carriage rolled slowly on, the horses being 
obliged to walk more than half the time. The road 
w^as in a wretched state, owing to the recent thaws ; 
the mud being in some places almost up to the hubs, 
and deep cradle-holes intervening just often enough to 
keep the travelers on a constant guard against being 


112 


THE HIGHWAYMEN. 


thrown from their seats. In this way the coach 
crawled along its tedious way until the shades of com- 
ing night began to settle down upon the earth. The 
horses had not certainly averaged more than three 
miles an hour, but to Olivia it seemed as if they had 
traveled a long distance. 

The coach was now upon a level road, and Olivia 
could see, upon looking out through the little glass 
window behind her, that they were in the midst of a 
deep wood. She had just made this observation when 
the sound of voices was heard by the roadside, and in 
a moment more the carriage stopped. Mr. Trevett 
opened the window and asked what was the matter. 

^^Ah, my dear sir,’’ returned a man wdio at that 
moment approached the door, we’Ve stopped you on 
a bit of business. Bad traveling, isn’t it?” 

Yes,” faintly returned Trevett, not exactly know- 
ing what to say. 

^^So we thought w^e’d be kind,” continued the 
stranger, and relieve you of part of your load. You 
will oblige us by getting out ?” 

Micah Trevett began now to comprehend what all 
this meant. There was light enough to distinguish ob- 
jects about the carriage, and he saw that the man 

d a pistol in his hand. 

Do you mean to rob me?” the old man uttered. 

O, you speak too plainly, sir. But get out. Come, 
I hope you won’t force me.” 

Now Micah Trevett was not a man who possessed a 
great deal of courage, and the sight of what he sup- 


THE HIGHWAYMEN. 


113 


posed to be a loaded pistol, struck him with terror. 
He was a man who was urged by passion to do many 
foolish things, but he could not look calmly at danger. 
Had he only taken the precaution on the present occa- 
sion to arm himself he might have made a show of re- 
sistance ; but as it was, he tremblingly obeyed the or- 
der he had received, and when he reached the ground 
he found that there were tAvo more men present,- one 
of Avhom held the horses, while the other had the 
driver under charge. 

Ah, a lady,’’ said the highwayman, as he put his 
head into the coach, after Trevett had got out. 
‘^YouAvill not harm me, sir,” uttered Olivia. 

Ho, no, madam; that is no part of my business. 
Ah, you have a goodly amount of baggage.” 

As he spoke he seized the trunk nearest to him and 
dragged it out upon the ground. 

Give me your keys, sir,” he said, turning to Tre- 
vett. Come, be quick, for it’s getting dark, and I’ve 
no doubt you wjsli to be on your way again. ” 

The old man handed over the keys without delay, 
and in a few moments the highwayman had the trunk 
open. He overhauled several articles of clothing 
which were on top, and at length he came to a brass- 
bound, oaken box, which he took out. 

Do not trouble that,” urged Trevett. 

Don’t trouble yourself,” returned the highway- 
man, lifting the box in his hand ; upon my soul it's 
heavy.” 

That’s only the box that’s heavy/' anxiously re- 


lU 


THE HIGHWAYMEN. 


plied tlie old man. There’s nothing* in there but 
papers, and they can be of no use to you. Do not open 
it, sir.” 

Yes, I understand,” said the higliAvayman, with 
a look and tone of incredulity. But it’s a little too 
heavy for papers. I’ll examine it, at all events.” 

^^Hark!” at this moment uttered the man who 
stood at the heads of the horses. Thera’s somebody 
coming*.” 

The fellow spoke the truth, for in a moment more 
the sound of heavy wheels was distinctly heard ahead. 

^‘Your watch, quick ?” exclaimed the highwayman, 
as he made a grasp at the golden chain that hung 
from the old man’s fob. Good-by, sir. I would like 
to stop longer and examine the rest of your things, 
but you see ’twouldn’t be judicious.” 

Stop ! stop !” cried Trevett, as the highwayman 
stuffed the watch into his pocket, and turned away ; 
‘ ^ give me that box. ’ ’ 

O, don’t trouble yourself about it. I’ll take good 
care of it.” 

But it will be of no use to you.” 

O no — I suppose not. But good-by. Hope you’ll 
have a pleasant journey.” 

The three highwaymen then leaped into the woods, 
and were soon out of sight For a long time Micah 
Trevett stood and gazed into the open trunk, and he 
was not aroused from his reverie until the coming 
wagon stopped near him. It Avas a baggage team, 
bound for Salem* 


THE HIGHWAYMEN. 


115 


Hallo — upset, eli exclaimed the teamster. 

The driver of the coach explained, in a few words, 
what had happened. 

‘^Then I can’t help you, I suppose,” returned the 
other. 

‘‘Yes, yes, you can !” quickly cried Trevett. “ Go 
and help us catch the rascals.” 

“ O, that would be nonsense,” said the teamster. 
“ So, if that’s all. I’ll keep on, for I’m" late already.” 

The fellow drew a heavy pistol from the box by his 
side as he spoke, and having examined the priming, 
he put it back again, and then started on. 

“What was in that box, father?” asked Olivia, 
after they had resumed their way. 

“ No matter,” sullenly returned the old man, sink- 
ing back into his seat and uttering an audible groan. 

Olivia knew that he must have lost something val- 
uable and she thought ’twas money. 


CHAPTER XV. 


THE SEARCH WARRAOT — A CURIOUS PACK AGE. 

When Edward Thayer fully aroused himself to action, 
after having realized the loss with which he had met, 
he finished dressing himself, and then looked at his 
watch. It was two o’clock in the morning. He had 
thought long upon the circumstances under which the 
robbery had been committed, and he had made up his 
mind that Micah Trevett must have been at the bottom 
of it, and with this idea he determined to go at once 
to Trevett’s house and watch to see if anyone went in 
or came out. He set the candle upon the table, and, 
thinking that it could not burn until he returned, he 
extinguished it. Then he cautiously unlocked his door, 
and, with as little noise as possible, he descended the 
stairs. 

Everything went well until Thayer came to the front 
door. He unlocked it without trouble, but, in opening 
it, he upset a chair, which, in the darkness, he had not 
discovered. 

Fearing that the noise might arouse the landlord, 
and not wishing to be seen and thus subjected to a 
questioning, he started with a quickened step for the 
street. He forgot that there was a high stone horse- 
block just in front of the low stoop, and he paid dearly 


THE SEARCH WARRANT. 


iir 

for his heedlessness — for he struck against the block 
with such force that he pitched headlong over it, 
striking his head upon the stone curb beyond. Almost 
at the same moment the host appeared at the door of 
the inn with a light, and catching a glimpse of the 
form upon the ground he inquired who it was. 

Thayer was too much injured to speak, or to know 
what was going on : but he had. sense enough to know 
that he was borne back into the house and placed upon 
a bed. He felt, too, >the fumes of spirit as his kind 
xhost bathed his brow, but after this his consciousness 
was gone. 

It was nearly noon when Edward came to himself, 
and he was somewhat agreeably surprised to find that 
he had met with no serious injury, only having been 
stunned by the fall he had received. His previous dis- 
quiet had fatigued him more than he had been con- 
scious of, and for several hours he had slept soundly. 
When he arose he felt a little stiff, but he could per- 
ceive no further difficulty. 

The host was full of curiosity, and Tha3^er told him 
the whole story of the last night’s adventure, only 
keeping to himself the nature of the loss he had sus- 
tained. 

‘^And didn’t he steal anything?” asked Pollock, 
after Edward had related the circumstances, 

^^ISTot much of consequence. He took a box, 
but won’t find anything in it that will benefit 
him.’^ 

I s’pose the ’tarnal snipe thought there was money 


118 


THE SEARCH WARRANT. 


in it/’ said the host with emphasis. But we’ll catch 
him if he’s to he found.” 

I hope we shall/’ responded the young* man. 

It’s a pity you stumbled over the horse-block last 
night, or you might have catched him as it was.” 

After the host had delivered this idea he was called 
away to attend to the serving of dinner, and Edward 
was left alone. He did not wish to eat at the table 
with the others, so he had his meal conveyed to his 
own room. When he had eaten it he felt quite strong 
— strong enough to go out, and he determined to go. 
He felt that his box had been conveyed to Mr. Trevett’s, 
and he resolved to go there at once and confront the 
villain. 

Ere another night passes,” he muttered to himself, 
as he drew on his overcoat, you shall be brought to 
justice. Ah ! Micah Trevett, your time is up — I know 
you now, and I have you fast. I’ll take the means to 
make you give up the box, and then I’ll show you to 
the world for what you are.” 

Edward’s first movement, after he left the inn, was 
to find a justice of the peace, and, having found one, 
he applied for a search-warrant to be served on the 
premises of Micah Trevett. The justice was surprised 
at the request, and at first he refused to grant one — 
but, at length, being made satisfied with the appli- 
cant’s credibilit3^, he issued the warrant, and then pro- 
cured an officer to serve it. 

Thus prepared, young Thayer accompanied the 
officer to the dwelling of Trevett. 


THE SEARCH WARRANT. 


119 


wliat’s tliis mean?” uttered the officer. 
'' Shutters all closed— gates shut— fires out— and 
doors locked, too,” he continued, as he tried the front 
door and found it fast. 

''Has he gone?” murmured Thayer, starting with 
fear. 

"Looks preciously like it,” was the characteristic 
response. 

"We must enter the house/’ urged Edward. 

" Of course we must, for I’ve got the order. Get in 
fair if we can, and, if we can’t do so, we’ll do the next 
best.” 

At this juncture a man came out from a neighboring 
house and hastened over to the spot where our ac- 
quaintance stood. 

"What’s the matter?” he asked, as he came 
up. 

"Want to get in here,” replied the officer. 

" But the folks have moved out.” 

" Has Trevett gone ?” asked Thayer. 

Yes— went this noon, not an hour ago. He’s sold 
his house and furniture and I’ve got the key.” 

"Well, let me have it,” said the officer. " I’ve got 
a search warrant here and I must get in.” 

"Eh!” uttered the man, as he saw the warrant. 
" Gad’s ! my life ! I thought old Trevett looked mighty 
flurried when he went away. He haint been right for 
more’n a week. But helve’s the key. Zounds ! Trevett 
is an old fox, any way.” 

"Where are the servants ?” asked the officer./ 


120 


THE SEARCH WARRANT. 


Don’t know,” replied the man who had brought 
the key. They went away this forenoon.” 

But where has Trevett gone ?” inquired Tha^^er 
trembling with hitter disappointment. 

Don’t know. I asked him hut he told me it was 
none of my business.” 

The youth made all the inquiries he could think of, 
but he could learn nothing, save that Trevett started 
off upon the road to Boston, He returned with the 
officer to the office of the justice, and, having paid the 
required fees, and explained as much of his business as 
he dared to, he went back to his inn, having made up 
his mind before he reached there that he would start 
for Boston on the next morning. 

At nine o’clock that evening Edward was in his 
room, when one of the stable boys came up and asked 
to be admitted. 

Here be a bundle, zur, as you must ’ave left in the 
stable,” he said, at the same time laying a small dirty 
package upon the table. 

^^How so ?” inquired Thayer, taking up the parcel. 

^<Why, ’cause L found it. Be’ant ’at yom- name 
on it?” 

Yes,” returned Edward, assuming an intelligent 
look. There was to him a mystery in the affair ; but 
he did not wish the boy to detect it. Yes, yes, it is 
certainly mine. In the stable you say you found 
it?” 

‘‘Yes, zur; layin’ right up side ov the grain box. 
It’s yours, be’ant it ?” 


THE SEARCH WARRANT. 


121 


Certainly, certainly, my boy ; and I am much 
oblig-ed to you for bring-ing* it. Here, take this.’’ 

He placed a shilling in the boy’s dirty hands as he 
spoke, and then motioned for him to be gone. 

The youngster grinned with intense satisfaction as 
his eyes sparkled upon the silver coin, and clutching 
it firmly in his hand he shuffled off. 

As soon as Edward was alone he proceeded to ex- 
amine the package he had so strangely received. The 
outer covering was of brown paper, and Thayer’s name 
was written upon it in a coarse, scrawly hand. He 
untied the rope^^arn which secured it, and inside of this 
he found an old stocking, that was also firmly bound 
up. The young man hesitated about examining fur- 
ther, and he laid the curious bundle upon the table. 
The idea had crept over him that this might be some 
diabolical contrivance for his death. The circum- 
stances under which he had received it, its peculiar 
appearance, and above all, the events of the past few 
days, tended strongly towards this point. 

For some minutes Edward Thayer sat and gazed 
upon the package ; but he was not the man to be easy 
until he knew what it contained, and the longer he re- 
garded it the more anxious he became to look into its 
contents. So he took the parcel up again, and, with 
careful movements, he unfastened the string. As he 
gradually unwound it he heard a chinking, jingling 
sound, and at length, when he emptied the contents out, 
he found ten golden guineas. He was looking at 
them with'' curious surprise when he felt something 


122 


THE SEARCH WARRANT. 


crumple in the stocking, and upon further examina- 
tion, he found a piece of paper, clumsily folded to re- 
semble a letter, upon opening which he found the 
following, written very badly, but yet intelligibly : 

^^Mr. Thayer: — This money is the first I ever 
received for doing a crime. I cannot enjoy it, and to 
make a clean breast of 1;lie whole affair I will tell you 
all about it. Mr. Micah Trevett hired me to— (Here 
some words had been written, but they were so effect- 
uall}^ obliterated that Edward could not make them 
out. The next that was intelligible as was follows :) I 
stole the box of papers from your room for him, and 
he paid me the ten guineas. I cannot give them back 
to him, for he has gone, so I send them to you. If 
you can find Mr. Trevett you can find your box. I am 
sorry I took it, but it can’t be helped now. You 
needn’t try to find out who I am, for you won’t be able 
to do it. But if I knew that you wouldn’t be injured by 
what I have done I should be happier than I am 
now.” 

Edward sat back after he had read the strange epis- 
tle. He was confident that it was genuine, and he 
had no hesitation in giving it credit. The coincidence 
struck him as pecular as that in both of Trevett’s at- 
tempts upon him he should have in a measure mis- 
taken his man. One thing, however, troubled the 
young man exceedingly, and that was how it could 
have been known that the box was in his possession, 
or that it contained papers which could be of any 


THE SEARCH WARRANT. 


123 


account. He could only imagine that at some time he 
had been watched ; then he remembered the noise he 
had heard at his window while he was last engaged 
in looking over those very documents, and upon this 
point he allowed the matter to rest. 

Thayer was now sure that Micah Trevett had the 
papers, and he was resolved that on the following' 
morning he would set out in quest of him. At about ten 
o’clock Edward went down to the barroom. A team- 
ster had just arrived, who sat at the fire sipping a 
mug of hot punch, and at the same time relating the 
circumstance of his having met a coach, upon the 
highway, that had been robbed. He had described 
the man who had spoken to him, and Edward at once 
discovered that it must have been Mr. Trevett. 

Was there a female with him ?” asked the young 
man. 

Yes, I seed some sort of female in the coach,” re- 
turned the teamster. 

And where were they then ?” 

‘‘ Just about two miles this side of Winnisimmet, on 
the road to Boston.” 

That was enough for Thayer. He did not stop to 
hear the remainder of the teamster’s somewhat en- 
larged story; but going at once to his room, he set 
about preparing to follow the base man who was, in 
some way, deeply wronging him. 


CHAPTER XVI. 


THE SEA BATTLE. 

Edward Thayer wen^ to Boston, and though he re- 
ceived the assistance of General Gage, through the 
medium of Montague’s instrumentality, yet he could 
not find Micah Trevett. He searched for a long while 
— for days and weeks — but of the man whom he sought 
he could gain no intelligence. He became worried and 
downhearted, and his increasing anxiety was begin- 
ning to wear upon his constitution. Montague tried 
to persuade him to return to England in his ship, but 
the young man felt confident that Micah Trevett was 
somewhere about Boston, and he determined to stay 
until he had found him. 

In the meantime the patriot cruiser was hovering 
about the bay of Massachusetts, and, though many 
attempts had been made to capture her, yet she was 
still free. It was near the last of April. The brigan- 
tine had been lying-to off the town of Newburypoi^t, 
where she had gone after provisions. It was in the 
afternoon that Vincent Gray came off from the shore 
and boarded his vessel. The provisions had been 
brought on board before noon, and he had just been 
to settle his bill. As soon as his boat was run up to 
her davits, the young captain called his men all upon 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


125 


the quarter deck. There was a deep light in his bright 
black eye, and his face was glowing with excitement. 

^^Now, brave men/’ he said, in a clear, bold tone, 
‘‘we have no longer to fear the censure of Heaven 
upon our course. The enemy have stricken the battle- 
blow ! They have made war upon us ; they have 
butchered our people; they have forced us to the 
chance of war. At Lexington and at Concord they 
have led their soldiers out and shot down the patriots. 
The country is ringing from one end to the other with 
the fierce war-cry. The avenger is loose and the 
tyrant shall feel his b low. There shall be idleness on 
our hands no longer. Let every nerve be strained, 
and when next we meet the enemy he shall be ours.’’ 

The crew did not shout ; but they gathered more 
closely around their commander to learn the partic- 
ulars of the startling announcement he had made. 
He explained it to them as he had learned it, and 
when they knew it all they moved silently away. It 
was a full minute ere another word was spoken after 
the captain had closed his story. The first who spoke 
was Ithemar. He laid his hand upon the gun nearest 
to him, and, in a deep tone, he said : 

“ 1 can die — but I must either live to see the tyrant 
fall, or else die by these batteries.” 

“ So will we all !” responded Vincent. 

And the whole crew joined simultaneously in the 
response. . * 

As soon as the men were once more gathered at 
their respective stations the brigantine was got under 


126 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


sail again. That niglit, at twelve o’clock, she passed 
Cape Cod, and then stood off to the north’rd and 
east’rd. An hour after daylight, on the next morn- 
ing, a sail was reported on the larboard quarter. Vin- 
cent Gray obtained his glass and stationed himself for 
watching the stranger. 

There are two sails,” he said, at the end of some 
ten minutes. 

There sartinly is,” responded Obed Durkee, who 
also had a glass. 

Mr. Durkee,” said Vincent, will you let Ithemar 
take your glass ?” 

Kow, Ithemar,” returned the captain, I want 
you to go aloft and see what you can make of those 
fellows. One of them looks wonderfully like the brig 
that helped the sloop-of-war give us chase last week.” 

The gunner took the glass and went up to the main- 
top, and in the course of five minutes he came down. 

^^It’s the same brig, sir,” he said, approaching the 
captain. 

You are sure, are you ?” 

Yes, sir ; I know it.” 

And the other sail — not the sloop, is it ?” 

No, sir. She’s a ship ; but she’s got no guns. 
She must be either a store-ship or a transport.'' 

Then we’ll now give the brig a chance to engage 
us,” said Vincent, with sparkling eye and heaving 
bosom. ^‘You may slacken sail, sir,” he continued, 
turning to Munn. Have the square mainsail clewed 
up, and then we’ll watch the fellow's movements.'' 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


m 


The commander’s order was obeyed, and after the 
mainsail had been taken off, and the forestaysail 
hauled down, the brig' gradually gained upon the 
cruiser. 

The wind was about southwest and, as the brigan- 
tine stood, she had it upon the starboard beam. The 
brig was standing' just about the same and was situ- 
ated about two miles due west of the Yankee; so that ~ 
their present courses were nearly parallel. 

She’s luffing,” uttered Ithemar. 
see,” returned Vincent, who was also watching 
the brig. 

'' And she’s making signals to the ship,” Ithemar 
added. 

Ay,” responded the captain, I see. That signal 
must be for the ship to keep on, for see — the brig is 
standing for us now, and the ship keeps on as before.” 

The truth of Vincent’s surmises was soon placed be 
yond a doubt, for the brig* had luffed enough for the 
chase, while the ship, that was now clearly made out 
to be a store-ship, stood on as before. 

We won’t run away from you again, old fellow,” 
said Vincent, as he placed his glass under his arm and 
took his speaking-ti*umpet. ^^You shall have your 
heart’s wish this time. Now see to your batteries, 
Ithemar.” 

Ay, ay, sir,” responded the gunner. 

The men were called to their quarters ; the small 
arms all got in readiness ; the cutlasses and pistols 
distributed to the crew ; and the guns cast loose, and 


128 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


a stand of grape put in upon the top of the round 
shot. 

The brig was now not more than a mile distant and 
rapidly nearing the cruiser. 

Wonder if she thinks we can’t sail faster’n this,” 
said Obed, as he stood watching the movements of the 
enem3^ 

Of course she must know better than that,” re- 
turned Vincent, for she can see that two of our best 
sails are off ; and then she knows that we ran away 
from both her and the sloop once before. Ha !” 

At this moment a wreath of smoke curled out from 
the brig’s side, and a shot was seen to strike the water 
about two cables’ length short of its mark. 

Wonder if that’s their best gun?” said Ithemar, 
as he noticed where the shot struck. 

We shall be likely to find out soon,” returned 
Vincent. If he’s got a better gun he’ll give it.” 

In a few moments the brig fired another gun, but 
the shot fell short as before, and ere long afterwards a 
third was fired with the same result. 

By Saint Georg’e !” exclaimed Vincent, her guns 
are no heavier than ours ; and I believe our two bow 
guns are longer and heavier than any she has. If 
such is the case we’ll give her broadside for broad- 
side.” 

While it suits us,” added Ithemar, in a low tone. 

Vincent looked into his face and saw that there was 
a meaning look there. 

I’d rather have it arm ' to arm, hand to hand,^^ 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


129 


continued the gunner. I know the mettle of your 
men, and I don’t believe they can be easily beat.” 

I understand,” returned Vincent. '' We will board 
when we can.” 

Good !” uttered Ithemar ; and then he turned 
away to look after the guns. 

In half an hour longer the enemy was within less 
than half a mile while the store-ship held nearly the 
same relative position as before. During all this time 
the brigantine had not deviated a point from her orig- 
inal course, while the brig had been veering and haul- 
ing in various ways. At the present moment the 
Englishman was nearly abeam of the Yankee, with his 
starboard bow open. 

At this juncture the brig fired another gun, and 
the shot struck the water just under the brigantine’s 
stern. 

'' That shot was fired low,” said Ithemar. 

Ay,” returned Vincent. 

As the captain spoke the brig fired another of her 
bow guns, and this time the shot came whizzing over 
the Yankee’s deck. 

Sliall I level upon her ?” asked the gunner. 

No,” nervously returned the young captain. 

“-But we can strike her.” 

“ I know that ; but don’t you see the chance the brig 
is giving us. By the cross of Saint George, if she 
stands on in that way ten minutes longer we’ll rake 
her with a full broadside. See ! what a chance she’ll 
give us if she don’t keep away,” 


130 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


I^’m afraid she’ll up helm before she g-ives us that 
chance,” said the gunner. 

She will if she’s wise,” resumed Vincent. ^^But 
we’ll he ready for the chance, at all events. See that 
the larboard guns are truly levelled, sir. O, if she 
does keep on so.” 

Another shot from the brig at this moment struck 
the cruiser about three feet above the water, but did no 
further damage. Another shot passed over the deck. 
The patriots were now all excitement. The larboard 
watch were at the guns, and the starboard watch at 
the sheets and braces. Vincent saw that, great as 
was his control over his men, he could not restrain 
them much longer, for lie noticed that those at the 
guns were blowing their matches to keep them well 
alive, and that they were keeping the guns to bear 
upon the enemy. 

— sh !” fell from the young captain’s lips. 

The sound, slight as it was, reached the ears of every 
man, and eveiy eye was upon him. 

Let the guns be aimed two points further forward. 
Heave them around carefully. Stand by the braces, 
and be ready to ease away.” 

The order was quickly obeyed. 

‘^Now, Ithemar,” said Vincent, am going to put 
the helm up, and I give the batteries to you. As soon 
as they bear upon the brig, fire !” 

The enemy was now within musket shot, and one or 
two of her last shots had done some damage amongst 
the cruiser’s rigging. Vincent gave the word to the 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


131 


lielmsman — the brigantine fell quickly off — Ithemar 
caught the enem^^ in the range of his guns, and he gave 
the word. The light cruiser started from the shock 
as her broadside howled forth its war note, and for 
some moments the smoke lay thick upon the water ; 
but it was swept away at length, and then the Yankees 
saw what they had done. 

The brig’s mainmast was shot off within six feet of 
the deck, and it went overboard just as our patriots 
got sight of it. Vincent levelled his glass, and he 
could see where two shots had struck the bulwarks of 
the starboard bow. 

‘^By Saint George !” he uttered, ‘^she must have 
been raked by those shots. You did well, Ithemar.” 

Ay, and I can do it again,” returned the battery. 

You shall have a chance with the other battery,” 
said the captain, as he placed his glass under his arm. 

Stand by to wear ship. Move quickly, now.” 

The brig had fallen off before the wind, having lost 
all her after sails, and Vincent could plainly see that 
all was confusion on her deck. His vessel wore hand- 
somel}^, and in a few minutes was running free on the 
^ larboard tack. In this way he ran under the enemy’s 
stern and fired his starboard broadside. Then he 
backed Aiis maintopsail and thus held a raking posi- 
tion. In ten minutes from that time the brig fired a 
gun to leeward. She had no flag to pull down, for it 
had been shot away by the first broadside, and the 
Americans understood that her blank gun was a token 
of surrender. 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


m 


Vincent Gray ordered his man away from the guns, 
and then he leaned back against the rail and looked 
thoughtfully upon the scene about him. Not a man of 
his crew had been killed, and only three wounded. His 
vessel was in no way seriously damaged. Not a spar 
was injured, nor a timber crashed. The few pieces of 
rigging had been effectually stoppered as soon as they 
were shot away, and the new shot holes in the side 
had been plugged. And yet the enemy was a total 
wreck. 

''Upon my soul,” murmured the young captain, 
speaking aloud to himself, "I can hardly believe 
it.” 

" Believe what?” asked Ithemar, who stood by his 
side and heard him. 

" That we are almost uninjured, and she a 
wreck.” 

" Simple as daylight,” returned the gunner. " The 
Englishman lost his chance to fight by his very first 
foolish move. He must have thought that we meant 
to run away or else he wouldn’t have kept on as he 
did and given us that first chance for raking him. 
But when that was done he was simply at our 
mercy.” 

"Yes, I see,” said Vincent. "I understand it. I 
understood it before ; and 3^et ’twould be a strange 
story to tell. Few Englishmen would like to believe 
it.” 

responded Ithemar, with a kindling eye; 
" that’s true ; but, as sure as God is just, they shall 


THE SEA BATTLE. 


138 


have to believe harder things than this before America 
shakes off their galling shackles.” 

Vincent was upon the point of responding, when he 
was startled by a cry from old Durkee, who came 
hastening towards him ; and he quickly turned to hear 
what the old man had to say. 


CHAPTER XVII. 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 

See ! see !” cried Durkee, as he came up to where 
the captain stood, store-ship is off.” 

Zounds! I had almost forgotten her,” exclaimed 
Vincent, as he gazed oif to where the ship had squared 
away under full sail. Larboard braces— round them 
in handsomel}^ — up with the helm. Fore tack and 
sheet — let go the buntlines — haul down. Xoav for the 
mainsail. Stand by, Mr. Powell, to set all the star- 
board studdingsails.” 

These orders were broken and given at intervals, but 
the movements were quickly performed, and, in a few 
minutes, the patriot cruiser was leaping after the ship 
like a dolphin. In the meantime tlie brig was left to 
be knocked about at the mercy of the waves, possess- 
ing no power to make sail. 

The ship was by no means a remarkable sailer, and 
the brigantine overhauled her fast. In less an hour 
the distance was short of a mile. 

Ithemar,” said the captain, you may level one of 
your bow-chasers, and fire as soon as you are ready.” 

The gunner hastened forward, and, in a few moments, 
he fired one of the long guns. The ball struck the 
water under the ship’s starboard waist. Ithemar 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 135 

loaded and fired again. The tfiird shot struck the 
ship in the stern, and the Americans could see the 
splinters as they struck the water under her quarter. 

“ That's done the business,” cried Ohed, “ for she’s 
luffin’.”"' 

The old man’s woi’ds were true, for the ship soon 
came up to the wind with her maintopsail to the mast, 
and in less than ten minutes afterwards, the brigan- 
tine luffed up under her weather quarter. 

“ Ship ahoy !” shouted Vincent. 

“ Hallo !” returned the Englishman. 

“ What ship is that ?” 

“Her Majesty’s store-ship. Succor!'’ 

‘ ‘ This is the patriot cruiser. Spark. Send 3mur boat 
alongside at once.” 

In obeyance of this order the ship lowered her boat, 
and her captain was soon upon the cruiser’s deck. 

“ Are jmu the commander of that ship ?” asked our 
hero. 

“ Yes, sir,” returned the Englishman, gazing around 
upon the stalwart men who composed the Yankee 
crew. 

“I suppose you have surrendered?”^ resumed Vin- 
cent. 

“ If jmu mean to require it, I suppose I must,” was 
the hesitating reply. 

“ Of course I mean to require it, sir; else I should 
not have given jmu chase.” 

“Well,” uttered the captain of the store-ship, after 
some moments of reflection, “I must say that 'you 


136 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 


are brave fellows, but I wouldn^t give much for your 
necks. 

Ah,” said Vincent. 

Ah,” continued the Englishman ; for you must 
know that eventually you will be captured, and then 
yoM must swing.” 

I understand what you mean,” returned our hero, 
with a smile; but be assured that we give ourselves no 
uneasiness. Now what have you on board your ship ?” 

A feAv passengers, and a cargo of sick men.” 

^^What?” asked Vincent, thinking at first that the 
man might be quizzing him. 

A cargo of sick men,"" repeated the Englishman. 

have ninety- three invalids on board, whom I was 
carr^dng from Boston to Halifax."" 

^^I"ll go on board and see,"’ said our hero; and 
turning to his coxswain, he ordered his boat to be low- 
ered and get alongside. 

Besides his boat"s crew, Vincent took Ithemar and 
Durkee with him, leaving Munn in charge of his ves- 
sel. He allowed the English captain to board the 
ship first, and then, accompanied by Durkee, and 
Ithemar, he followed. When he reached the ship"s 
deck, he found a number of emaciated fellows about 
the gangway, and, on examination, he ascertained that 
the captain had told the truth, for her steerages were 
full of poor, sick soldiers and seamen ; and then some 
he saw who were evidently only passengers. 

Now what do you mean to do?” asked the Eng- 

lishman? 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 


137 


A number of invalids gathered around the spot 
where the two captains stood, and Vincent could see 
that they were full of fear and apprehension. 

You may go your way,” said our hero, as he cast 
his eyes about him. I wish not to trouble such as 
you.” 

Bless you !” cried a poor cripple, who hobbled up 
to the spot. And all the others blessed the young 
American for his kindness. 

‘ ^ Then you will not take our provisions, sir, nor 
our — ” 

No, no,” interrupted Vincent. I want nothing 
here ; but I wish with all my heart that you may reach 
Halifax in safety.” 

You are a generous conqueror,” said the English- 
man. 

I am engaged in a righteous cause and can afford 
to be,” returned our hero. 

Well, perhaps you are.” 

I know I am, for I fear not to call on God for 
help.” 

During this time Ithemar had caught sight of a 
man — one who seemed to be a passenger— who was 
busil^^ engaged in packing some things into a large 
trunk that stood open by his side. His countenance 
looked familiar and the gunner drew near. 

Hallo, Ithemar,” exclaimed the man, as the gun- 
ner came towards him. Rather a strange place to 
find me, but here I am.” 

Eh— Jack Robuck,” uttered Ithemar. 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 


i:]S 


Yes, it’s me.” 

You seem to be packing up in a hurry.” 

Ay — for I want to join your vessel. I can handle 
a cutlass or a pistol.” 

But what on earth brings you here ? Are you a 
prisoner?” 

O, no — only a passenger. The truth is, I got into 
a bit of a scrape on shore, and my particular friend 
was after me. I respect the man, but didn’t care 
about seeing him just then, so I sloped — told the cap- 
tain of this ship a cock-and-bull story, and got 
passage for Halifax. But I guess I’ll leave him 
now.” 

Captain Gray had approached and heard the last 
part of the fellow’s speech. 

Eh — you’re the Yankee captain, ain’t 3mu ?” asked 
Robuck, looking up, and then rising to his feet. 

I have command of the brigantine,” replied Vin- 
cent. 

So I thought ; and I want you to give me a berth 
aboard. I can fight, sir.” 

«« Why, who are you ?” 

Ithemar can tell you.” 

Vincent turned towards his gunner. 

''I’ll tell what I know,” said Ithemar, responding 
to his commander’s silent question. 

" This fellow is named for the present, Jack Eobuck. 
He is considerable of a noted highwajunan, and is just 
at this present time, fleeing from justice.” 

Pretty well done, but full frank enough, though,” 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 


139 


said the fellow with a coarse laugli ; and then turning 
to Vincent, he added : 

Not a very fair character for a Christian, hut itll 
do for a fellow that expects to get a living under the 
smell of powder all his days.^^ 

It may do for you,’’ said Captain Gray. 

But you’ll take me on hoard your cruiser ?” 

^^No, sir!” emphatically and indignantly returned 
Gray. I do not lead a hand of outlaws. My cause 
is a just and holy one, and I want none around me hut 
nohle hearts. You had better keep on, and leave 
America as far behind you as you can.” 

Just as Vincent ceased speaking' his eye caught a 
small silver plate, upon which was engraved the name 
of Edimrd Thayer, It was just visible among the 
clothing in the fellow’s trunk, and without stopping to 
ask permission, the young man stooped down to ex- 
amine it more closely. 

Hallo, there, what ye up to !” cried Rohuck. 

^^Just looking to see what this means, ” returned 
Vincent, as he dragged a small, oaken box out from 
the trunk, the corners of which were strongly secured 
by straps of burnished brass, and the upper plate of 
which bore the name of his young friend. 

Just drop that thing !” exclaimed the highwayman, 
springing forward and seizing the box. But he did 
not gain the prize, for the jmung captain knocked him 
back, and then turning towards the captain of the ship, 
the young American commander said : 

‘^Look ye, sir, I have one favor to ask of you. 


140 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 


I must have the handling of this fellow a few 
moments/^ 

^‘Anything you please, sir/’ returned the English- 
man, who had heard enough of the foregoing conver- 
sation to learn the character of his passenger. 

Now, sir, where did you get that box demanded 
Vincent, turning again to Robuck. 

^^No matter,” doggedly replied the highwayman. 

'^Then we’ll see if you cannot be made to speak,” 
said Vincent, with decision. Here, Ithemar, and 
you, Mr. Durkee — lash the fellow to the rigging, here.’' 

The fellow struggled, but it availed him nothing, 
for, in less than two minutes, he was firmly lashed to 
the rigging by the end of the maintopsail halyards. 
As soon as this was done, Vincent took the end of the 
spencer vang*, and having passed it twice around one 
of the shrouds, he placed the bite over the villain’s head 
and drew it tight across his neck. He then passed 
the rope to Obed, and bade him pull when ordered. 

Now, sir,” demanded Vincent, with a flashing eye, 
'' where did you get that box ? Speak, or I’ll put you 
to the torture.” 

The highwayman trembled, but he did not reply. 

^^Pull!” said our hero. 

Obed drew hard upon the rope, and Robuck began 
to grow black in the face. 

Will you tell me now ?” 

The fellow made a sign of assent, and the rope was 
loosened. 

- ^ Now, where did you get it ?” 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 


141 


I got it of a man who was on the road to Boston,'’ 
answered Rohuck, gazing first upon his interlocutor, 
and then upon the old man who held the end of the 
vang. 

A young man?” 

No — an old man. ” 

Do you speak the truth now ?” 

Yes.” 

And are you sure ’twas an old man ?” 

_^^‘Yes.” 

Do you know who it was ?” 

^ ^ Y es — Micah Tre vet t . ’ ’ 

^^Ah!” uttered Vincent, ^^did he have it? What 
else do you know about it !” 

The highwayman was silent. Vincent made a 
motion for Obed to pull the rope, but before it began 
to tighten the second time, Eobuck spoke : 

Well,” said he, if ^mu take me down out of this 
I’ll tell you the whole story.” 

Vincent reflected a moment, and then he took the 
fellow down. 

‘^Now,” said he, since you are so particular about 
it, you may have the whole story. I overhauled Trevett 
on his way to Boston, and robbed him of his box. 1 
thought it had money in it, but I got wonderfully de- 
ceived, for it contained nothing but papers. I after- 
wards found out that Trevett himself must have stolen 
the box, for a young chap — his name is on the box, had 
it stolen from his room at old Pollock’s inn. Trevett’s 
moved all his traps off—nobody knows where, and 


142 


The strange recapture. 


young Tliaj^er has gone to hunt him up. That’s the 
whole story, sir, from beginning to end.’’ 

And, I suppose, Trevett took his family with him ?” 
said Vincent. 

^'He has only one child.” 

And she — did she go with him ?” asked the young 
captain, trying with all his power to appear calm. 

Yes, I believe so.” 

Have you heard anything of Micah Trevett since 
you saw him ?” 

No, not a thing.” 

Vincent knew of no more to ask. He was already 
made uneasy, and, feeling confident that he could gain 
no more intelligence from Robuck, he resolved to let 
him go and return to his vessel. 

''I will take this box,” he said, “and see that it 
reaches its rightful owner.” 

“ Look here,” exclaimed the fugitive highwayman, 
with considerable assurance, “ I’ve been keeping that 
box just for the sake of getting a reward for it, and 
’tisn’t hardly fair to be cheated out of it.” 

“ If you had come honestly by it I would willinglj^ pay 
you a round sum for it ; but, as it is, you may thank 
your stars that you are not worse off than at present.” 

Robuck said no more about the box ; but, before 
Vincent left the ship, he said to the captain : 

“ Your passenger here is certainly a great villain ; 
but, I must confess, that in his robbing an old man of 
this box he may have done — as it now turns out — a 
most fortunate thing for justice. If you are willing 


THE STRANGE RECAPTURE. 14:8 

you lUtiy (io mo tlio fuvor to lot liim §*0 uUout his husi* 
ness when you arrive in port.” 

“ Willingly,” returned the Englishman. 

“Well, that’s something, anyhow,” said Robuck. 

In a few minutes more Captain Gray entered his boat, 
and, having informed the Englishman that he was at 
liberty to square away when he pleased, he rowed 
on board his own vessel. Having reached the deck of 
the Spark, our hero went to this cabin and put away 
the oaken box, and then he returned, and, after filling 
away, he put back towards the dismantled brig. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


THE MYSTERY OF THE OAKEN BOX. 

It was well in the afternoon when the patriot cruiser 
filled away after leaving* the ship^ and during the time 
she had been lying to the English brig had been drift- 
ing slowly to the north’rd and west’rd. The latter 
vessel had most of her foremast standing; but the 
forej^ard had been shot away. The fore tr3"sail was 
the only sail she could set, and though she had that 
on it did not keep her to the wind. 

Seems to me she is settling,” said Ithemar, who 
had been watching the brig for some minutes. 

She is !” responded Durkee. 

Vincent opened his glass, and he could see that the 
English crew were at the pumps, and that they were 
working hard, and 3"et he was convinced that the 
vessel was gradually settling in the water. While he 
gazed upon the brig the English ensign was hoisted at 
her fore trysail peak, with the union down. 

^^Ah,” uttered the young captain, ^Hhere goes a 
signal of ^distress. I hope we shall reach them.” 

But the brigantine could do nothing more in the 
way of sailing, for she was close upon the wind, with 
her bowlines taut, and every sail was set that would 
draw. She was just able to stand direct for the wreck 


THE MYSTERY OF THE OAKEN BOX. l4:S 

by allowing' nothing* for leewa^^ ; but then the brig* 
was drifting* enough to more than make uj) for that. 
In ten minutes from that time the brigantine luffed 
and came about just under the Englishman’s weather- 
beam. 

^^Brig ahoy !” 

Have you surrendered ?” 

'‘Yes; and w^e are sinking, too. For God’s sake 
help us !” 

"Then down with your boats at once,” shouted 
Vincent. 

"We can’t get them out,” said the Englishman. 
" You’ve riddled the boat at our davits, and we can’t 
get up a purchase to heave out our deck boats. Send 
your own boats alongside or we shall sink.” 

Vincent ordered his men to stir themselves lively,, 
and, in a few minutes, the three cutters were in the 
water and alongside. He did not deem it necessary 
or expedient to stop to get out the launch, but order- 
ing half of each crew to their respective boats, he set 
off at once for the brig. When he reached her 
he found that she had settled to within six inches 
of her portsills, and it Avas evident that she could 
not remain afloat many minutes at the farthest. 
When our hero reached the gangway of the brig, he 
found her men all crowded about the place ready for a 
leap into the boats, and it was with the utmost exertion 
that he succeeded in preventing them from all crowd- 
ing into the single boat, from which he had just come 
up. For a single moment Vincent cast his eye over 


146 THE MYSTERY OF THE OAKEN BOX. 

that desolated deck. It was covered with broken spars, 
huge splinters^ torn rigging, and dead men. The 
wounded were collected together in the starboard 
gangway, where they were waiting to be taken off. 

‘'For the love of mercy, sir,’’ urged the English 
captain, “let us get off as soon as possible. The brig 
must soon go down.” 

“ I will make all the haste I can,” returned Vincent, 
still standing in the gangway to prevent the men from 
rushing over. “How many men have you, all 
told ?” 

“ There are only forty-eight left, in the wounded and 
all.” 

“ Then pass the wounded over first,” said Vincent. 
“Get them into my boat as soon as possible.” 

The English captain instantly cleared the gangway, 
and then the work of removing the wounded men com- 
menced. It was speedily accomplished, for there were 
but few who needed assistance. After this the ohter men 
descended regularly into the boats, the three cutters 
holding them all with ease. It was too late to think 
of saving anything from the wreck, for the water was 
already rippling in over the portsills, so our hero at 
once leaped down, after the others were all in the 
boats, and then put off. The boats had not yet reached 
the brigantine, when the brig was seen to heel quickly 
over, with her lee rail under. In a moment more she 
righted, and the sea rolled over her deck. That was 
the last of the war-brig, for, while yet the men gazed 
at the quivering foremast, she pitched forward Avith a 


THE MYSTERY OP THE OAKEN BOX. 


147 


mighty throe^ and on the next moment she was gone 
from mortal sight forever. 

That’s tlie last of her I” uttered the English cap- 
tain, gazing sadly upon the spot where his vessel had 
gone down, and where the floating spars and splinters 
were tossing wildly about. 

But, I suppose, you would rather see her there 
than to have had me taken her into port as a prize,” 
said Vincent. 

It makes no odds,” said the Englishman, dejected- 
ly. ^‘1 deserved to lose her. In all my life I never 
did so foolish a thing before.” 

Ah, how so ?” 

Why, I might have known that you were not try- 
ing to run away, for you had your square mainsail 
and fore-staysail off and yet I gave you chase with a 
perfect recklessness. ’ ’ 

You didn’t give us credit for such mettle.” 

I knew the metal of your guns, and I supposed 
you must have an efficient crew ; but you ran away 
from me once before.” 

‘'"That was when you had a heavy sloop to back 
you,” interrupted Vincent. 

""Yes, I know that, but I didn’t stop to think of it,” 
said the English captain. 

"" Well, well,” said our hero, ""you have no need to 
blame yourself, for we were determined to take you, 
and we had no fear of failing.” 

""I don’t know about that,” returned the Eng- 
lishman, with compressed lips. ""I think if I had 


148 THE MYSTERY OF THE OAZEK BOX. 

done as I ought you would now be my prison- 
er.” 

''I might have been a dead man,” emphatically 
pronounced Vincent, ^"but not a prisoner. But that 
brigantine, sir, could not have been 3"ours. You had 
not the men to take her.” 

Further conversation was cut off, for, at this mo- 
ment, the first cutter grazed the side of the cruiser,- 
and soon afterwards the prisoners were all on board. 
The boats were run up, the maintopsail filled aAvay, 
and then the wounded were taken care of. From the 
prisoner captain, Vincent learned that the total of the 
brig's crew had been eighty men, and that among the 
killed were the first and second lieutenants, the gun- 
ner, boatswain, and one midshipman. By the time 
the prisoners were all secured -it was nearly sundown, 
and having seen the vessel set upon lier course for 
Massachusetts Bay, Captain Gray retired to his cabin. 
The events of the day crowded heavily upon him, but 
among all them none occupied a larger space in his 
mind than did the oaken box he had obtained from the 
fugitive highwayman. He got the box and placed 
it upon his table. The lock was broken, and 
having cast off the stout cord by which it was se- 
cured, he raised the cover. He saw the papers— 
they seemed all in order, and appeared to have been 
much handled. For a long while the young captain 
sat with his head resting upon his hand, gazing into 
the box. 

'' I do not know as I 'ought to read these papers/' 


THE MYSTERY OF THE OAKEN BOX. 149 

he said to himself. They are not mine, though I 
have fairly ohtained them."" 

Vincent held a long debate with himself. He was 
anxious — nervous — but he hesitated. It was not cu- 
riosity that moved him — it was a far deeper emotion. 

I think it would be right,"" he at length murmured, 
^^ for then I should know how to act. There must be 
important intelligence there— intelligence which will 
guide me in assisting Edward Thayer.’" 

The last consideration had its weight upon our hero’s 
mind, and he resolved to examine enough of the 
papers to enable him to understand what he could do 
to help his friend. To be sure, curiosity was one of 
the elements at wmrk in the young man’s mind, but 
then from that cause alone he would never have 
sought to know the mysteries of the box he had come 
in possession of. Vincent took out the bundle of 
papers that laid uppermost, when he was interrupted 
by a call from the deck. He went up and having at- 
tended the subject upon which his decision was requir- 
ed, he returned to the cabin. He now lighted a candle 
and then re-opened the box. The first bundle of 
papers he untied, and one by one he cast his eyes over 
them. They were deeds, and the only thing that sur- 
^ prised Vincent was that the name of his friend was 
not mentioned in them. These he tied up as he had 
found them, and then he opened the second package. 
The first paper he unfolded was of little consequence, 
but upon the contents of the second his eye was fixed 
with more intensity.' Twice he read the paper over. 


150 


THE MYSTERY OP THE OAKEN BOX. 


and then, with a tremhling hand, he laid it aside. On 
taking the third paper he was still mdre deeply moved. 
He read it through, and then he leaned his hrow upon 
his hand. 

“Just heaven!” he murmured, “can this be 
true ?” 

Again he looked at the paper, and when he laid it 
aside, there were shades of strange doubt upon his 
features. Another paper, larger and more copiously 
written than any of the others, was next opened. 
Vincent read it with a burning eye. His lips were 
tightly compressed, and his brow was bent with the 
most intense application. When he had finished read- 
ing it, it fell from his hands and dropped upon the 
floor. He was pale, and his lips now trembled. He, 
picked up the paper and again he read it. Then he 
folded it up and placed it back in the box. 

“Oh !” he uttered, as he started from his seat, and 
paced up and down the cabin, “ Micah Trevett must 
not escape. If he is in Boston he must be found.” 

After musing a few moments, he added : 

“Edward may find him— and Edward will want 
these papers.” 

The young captain stopped and looked into the box. 
Then he shut down the cover and placed it back in the 
place from which he had taken it. It was Avhile he was 
laying the box away that he thought of the English 
captain. There was a bare possibility that he might 
have seen or heard something of Trevett, and acting 
upon the impulse, our hero sought him at once. He 


THE MYSTERY OF THE OAKEN BOX. 151 

found him sitting* upon the after gun carriage, on 
the starboard side of the quarter-deck. 

• Ah, captain,’" said Vincent, as he leaned over the 
gun, I wish to ask you a question."" 

''Go on,"" returned the Englishman, in a sort of 
depressed tone, " I will answer you if I think proper."" 

"0,1 mean to ask you nothing which can in any 
way relate to your interests, or those which you serve. 

I merely wish to ask you if you know of a Mr. Micah 
Trevett, in Boston — if you have seen him ?"" 

" I know no such man."" 

" Then I shall gain nothing from you,"" said Vin- 
cent, in a disappointed tone. 

"Trevett— Trevett,"" muttered the Englishman to - 
himself. "I have heard the name, but I know of no 
man now who bears it."" 

"If you had ever seen him,"" said our hero, "you 
would not forget him. He may have left Boston."" 

" I have seen a good many strange-looking men in 
Boston. How did this Trevett look ?"" 

" He was a tall man, with a slight stoop in his 
shoulders. His hair was very gray — almost white; 
his eyes were small, gray, and sharx^ ; his nose was 
long and prominent ; his cheek bones high ; his fore- 
head quite broad, and his neck very long. He was 
nearly sixty years of age, and some might think him j 
older."" 

" By the royal truncheon, Captain Gray, I think 
I"ve seen your man,"" exclaimed the Englishman, after 
a moment’s thought. " He had a child — a daughter ?"" 


152 


THE MYSTERY OF THE OAKEN BOX. 


^^Yes, yes/’ g-asped Vincent. ^VOne child — that 
was all his family. What do you know of him ?” 

Yes, yes; that must he the man/’ resumed the 
Eng-lishman. He came down and engaged passage 
for himself and child in the ship that you overhauled 
to-day.” 

But he did not go in her?” uttered Vincent, fear- 
ing, for the moment, that Trevett might have been on 
board. 

No. As near as I could learn he was watched by 
some one ; or, rather, some one watched at the wharf, 
and he did not come. ” 

Vincent asked sev^eral more questions, but he could 
gain no more intelligence on the subject. He could 
only learn that for a week, at least, from the time of 
the brig’s sailing, there would be no opportunity for 
Trevett to leave Boston by water. 

When the patriot captain left the Englishman, he 
had gained as much intelligence as he could have 
hoped for ; for what he had learned made him nervous 
and uneas}^ for he knew that Micah Trevett waB 
Avatching for an opportunity to escape from the 
colonies, and he feared he might succeed. Succeed! 
O ! all of Vincent Gray’s hopes of happiness to come 
hung upon that one issue. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


THE FATAL COMPACT. 

It was near nine o’clock in the evening. The night 
was dark and stormy, and the wind howled mourn- 
fully through the streets. In a small room, in the 
third story of an old house situated near what w^as 
then known as Belcher’s Lane, in Boston, sat Olivia 
Trevett. She was very pale and wan, and her cheeks 
were Avet Avith tears. There Avas no fire in the room 
Avhere she sat, and she had to draw her shaAvl closely 
about her to keep out the cold. The Avind Avhistled 
Avithout, and the rain pattered heavil}^ against the 
single AvindoAV. Ever and anon the maiden Avould 
start as a gust rattled the sash, and, at such moments, 
it could he seen that her nerves Avere almost Avholly 
unstrung. 

' She sat there and heard the distant clock strike the 
hour of nine, and then she arose and AA^ent to the 
AAdndoAv. She tried to peer out into the street, hut the 
darkness Avas too intense. 

O, wh}" don’t he come?” she murmured, as she 
turned aAvay from the AvindoAA^. EA^en his companj^ 
is better than this loneliness. Why does he leaA^e me ' 
alone so much ? 0, father ! father ! if you kneAA" Avhat^ 


154 


THE FATAL COMPACT 


I suffered ; if you knew how you were wrenching my 
poor heart you would not treat me so 

She sat down again and wept. She was, indeed, 
miserable and unhappy. She had been confined to 
that chamber, and the one adjoining, for several 
weeks, and — save one old woman who supplied them 
with food, and her father — she had seen no one. She 
knew that her father was forced to do as he did ; that 
from some strange cause he was seeking concealment. 
She knew that he had once engaged a passage in a 
ship bound for Halifax, but she knew not wl^ the 
ship went without him. 

At length she heard a heavy, cautious step upon the 
stairs, and, in a few moments more, Micah Trevett 
entered the room. He was wondrouslj" altered since 
last we saw him. His face had grown thinner, his 
brow more contracted, his frame more bent, and there 
was more tremulousness in his limbs. His eyes were 
restless and uneasy, and they moved about in quick, 
furtive glances. 

Have you been disturbed, Olivia he asked, as 
he removed his wet coat, and laid his hat upon an old 
shelf in the corner. 

Only by my own thoughts and fears,” retiumed 
the maiden. 

You must be foolish, child. There’s nothing here 
can hurt you.” 

And do you never fear when you are here alone ?” 

Micah Trevett turned quickly upon his daughter, 
and an angry flush overspread his features. 


THE FATAL COMPACT. 


155 


Be careful liow you speak/’ he said. 

Olivia tremhlingi^" shrank from her father’s frown, 
and, with a painful movement, she buried her face in 
her hands. 

You shall not stay here much longer,” continued 
the old man, in a softer tone. There is a ship soon 
to sail, and I shall secure a passage in her.” 

But why did you not go before ?” asked Olivia, 
looking up into her father’s face. 

Because,” returned Trevett, with the evident hesi- 
tation of one who lies, she had so much sickness on 
board, and some of it was contagious.” 

O, I pra^^ that you may not be disappointed again,” 
ejaculated the maiden, with a fervent emphasis. ‘‘1 
cannot live here, shut out from God’s pure air. Any 
place would be preferable to this.” 

^^No, no— you might find some place worse,” said 
the old man, in a peculiar tone; many places worse 
than this. But you shall leave it soon.” 

As Trevett spoke he commenced pacing the room, 
and, at the end of some ten minutes, he stopped and 
took his watch from his pocket. It was a heavy sil- 
ver watch, which he had purchased since he came to 
Boston. 

^^Come, Olivia,” he said, ^Gt is near ten o’clock, 
and you should be in your bed. Besides, it is warmer 
in bed than it is here.” 

‘^So it is,” murmured the poor girl, as she shud- 
dered and drew her shawl more closely about her. I 
have been very cold here. If you stay much longer — ” 


156 


THE FATAL COIMPACT. 


sharply interrupted the old man. We 
shall not stay here much longer. There — sa^^ no more, 
but go now to your bed.” 

Olivia slowl}^ arose from her chair, and having 
lighted the only remaining candle, she retired to the 
adjoining room. 

Look ye, girl,” called her father, just as she was 
about to close the door of her little room behind her, 
^^if you hear other voices here than mine, you must 
not be alarmed, for I may have companj^ I expect 
some one here on business of importance.” 

Olivia madexno reply, but when she had closed her 
door, and was alone, she set doAvn her candle, and then 
sank down upon her knees. She raised her eyes to- 
wards heaven and prayed. She prayed long and fer- 
venth^, and her poor soul seemed to gather strength 
from the iDrayer, for her features were more calm and 
serene as she once more arose to her feet, and she 
trembled not as before. 

After his daughter had gone, Micah Trevett sat 
down and leaned his head upon his hands. Broken 
sentences fell from his lips at intervals, and though 
the train of thought from which they may hav^e been 
connected, yet the words he uttered had no connection 
with each other. They were low and incoherent, and 
sometimes he started, when he gave them utterance, 
at the sound he had made. 

At length the old man sank into a sort of slumber, 
and when he started from it he had heard the clock 
strike the hour of midnight. He arose from his chair 


THE FATAL COMPACT. 


157 


and went to the window. The rain had ceased falling, 
hut the heavens were still hung with clouds, and it 
was too dark to see down into the street. Trevett 
left the window and chmmenced pacing up and down 
the room, and this movement he kept up for full fifteen ^ 
minutes. At the end of that time he heard footsteps 
upon the sidewalk, beneath his window, and, in a mo- 
ment more, the sound of a low, shrill whistle broke 
upon the air.' 

Trevett took the candle and descended to the street 
door ; and when he returned he was followed by two 
of the king’s soldiers. They obeyed the motion of the 
old man by seating themselves and then awaited his 
pleasure. The candle was nearly burned out, and 
Trevett glided noiselessly into his daughter’s room. 
He found her candle, and having satisfied himself that 
she was sound asleep, he returned. 

Now,” said he, after he had lighted the other can- 
dle, and seated himself, ''we will to our business.” 

Both the soldiers looked at him. They were low, 
uncouth looking fellows, with lust and crime stamped 
upon every lineament of their features— bearing just 
enough of ignorance in their countenances to indicate 
that they were the ready tools for any kind of villainy 
where money could be gathered to their scanty purses. 

‘‘You have been recommended to me as men who 
could be trusted,” continued the old man, as the at- 
tention of his guests was turned towards him. 

“Yes, sir,” returned the first soldier, “we pride 
ourselves on that — eh, Mike ?” 


158 


THE FATAL COMPACT. 


Cert'nly/’ responded the second soldier. '^We 
can he trusted, ’specially when we’spaid for it.” 

Speak low,” said Trevett, ^‘for there is some one 
sleeping in the next room.” 

Both the soldiers nodded assent, and then the old 
man went on : — 

Do you know what I w^ant of you ?” 

Not ’zactly,” said the first man. ^ 

Nor we ain’t particular,” added the second, see- 
ing as how you mean to pay us. We was told you 
would pay us very handsomely.” 

I will pay 3mu well, and you shall ask no questions.” 

O, don’t he afeard of that, old feller. ’Tain’t our 
business to pry into 3mur secrets. Just give us the 
work and the mone}^, and we’ll do the rest.” 

Micah Trevett was chafed hy the fellow’s coarse fa- 
miliarity, hut he dared not resent it. He had sought 
the interview ; he had placed himself in the ignoble po- 
sition, and the truth came upon him that he must now 
put up with the consequences. With all his villainy 
he could not hut feel ashamed of the company into 
which he had fallen. Some traces of his natural pride 
were still left — enough, at least, to show that he was 
not now what he once had been. 

While Micah Trevett sat there and gazed into the 
bloated features of the two hireling villains with whom 
he had to deal, he felt a strange sensation of awaken- 
ing remorse creeping over him. Why should he not ? 
He had once been a proud, independent man, and he 
had not lost the memories of his manhood. But it was 


THE FATAL COMPACT. 


159 


now too late. He had sold himself a slave to the 
power of gold, and his own hands had wound the 
meshes which he could not now rend asunder. 

The old man shook off the feeling that had fallen 
upon him, and drawing nearer to the soldiers, he said : 

^‘You need not fear for the pay ; you shall have it 
in the king’s pure gold.” 

And in course wee’ll have it afore we do the work ?” 
said he who had been called Mike. 

Yes — before you leave this room, if you like.” 

^^Well, that sounds honest; so just tell out your 
business.” 

I 

Do you know Edward Thayer ?” asked Trevett. 

Yes,” said the first soldier, The man as en- 
gaged us to do your work showed him to us. A young, 
pale, wmmanish-looking fellow.” 

I don’t know about his looking wmmanish ; but he 
is young, and he looks pale, too.” 

All right — we know him.” 

Well,” resumed Trevett in a half-hesitating man- 
ner, ^^from particular causes and reasons I do not wish 
to come in contact wdth that fellow^ I know that he 
has the most base designs upon me.” 

A significant glance wdiich was at this moment 
passed between the soldiers, arrested the old man’s 
attention. He saw the sly smile that played upon 
their features, and he at once comprehended that he 
was making a fool of himself in attempting to deceive 
his present company by any false coloring of his rela- 
tions with young Thayer ; so he resolved that he would 


160 


THE FATAL COMPACT. 


g’o straight forward with his business, and leave his 
moralizing for those who might not know his base 
quality. 

The truth is,” he continued, this young fellow is 
hanging close upon my heels, and I am confident that 
he has found out m^^ place of abode. He must not 
find me ; and yet I cannot again move for the present 
to avoid him. It w^ould suit me if he were dead.” 

And the sooner the better, I suppose,” said Mike, 
with a significant leer. 

"‘Yes, of course,” responded Trevett, gaining more 
confidence now that he had fairl^^ broached the sub- 
ject. "" I want you to put him. out of the way so that 
he may never tread the earth again to molest me, and 
it must be done at once, too. ” 

"" Just when you say, sir.” 

"" Then let it be on the first opportunity. Between 
you both you can contrive to watch him. Be sure and 
not let the first chance pass.” 

""Leave us alone for that, sir. You maybe sure 
that we shan’t let this business lay long on our hands.” 

"" And now for the pa^^,” said Trevett, as he opened 
the trunk near him and took out a bag. ""I will pay 
you down twenty guineas each, and when your work 
is well done I will pay you twenty more. Are you 
satisfied with that ?” 

"" Yes,” uttered both the soldiers at a breath, as 
their eye cauglit the glitter of the yellow gold. 

Micah Trevett paid them the gold, and then, Avith a 
repetition of his former injunctions, he dismissed them. 


THE FATAL COMPACT. 


161 


In half an hour afterwards that old man laid his 
his head upon his pillow. He tried to think that he 
was safe.' Safe from what ? He thought of the dan- 
ger he had just been tr^ung to guard against. He 
forgot the Eye that was looking into his soul. He 
did not then hear a V oice that was then whispering a 
terrible truth into his ear. 


CHAPTER XX. 


ADVENTUKE. 

Vincent Gray landed his prisoners at Portsmouth, 
and without Avaiting* to receive the congratulations and 
encomiums of the countless patriots, Avho came croAvd- 
ing in from the surrounding country, he at once set 
sail for Massachusetts Ba^^ He had determined to 
take a trip upon the land, and he kneAv of no better 
place in which to harbor his vessel, AAdiile he Avas gone, 
than that from which he had made his first venture. 
Therefore he ran his A^essel direct for SAvampscott, and, 
Avithout meeting an^^ hindrance he reached the liaA^en 
in safety. The brigantine Avas anchored in a sheltered 
place, and Vincent gaA^e her in charge to Lyman 
Munn, with directions that he should remain there 
until his return ; but with a proviso, hoAvever, that, in 
case of danger, the brigantine might be put to sea 
Avith the mutual consent of the three next highest 
officers —Durkee, Pov^ell, and Ithemar. 

But,” said Durkee, after Vincent’s boat had been 
called alongside, hadn’t you better haAm some one to 
go Avith 3mu. By the great horn spoon, them British- 
ers Avill make quick Avork of you if they get hold of 
yer.” 

Never fear,” returned our hero. I do not mean 


adventure. 


163 


to expose myself without need. I think you’ll see me 
hack ag’aiii in safety. All is, if I do not return, you 
will know how to do your duty. The cruiser must not 
fail with my loss.’’ 

^^Stop a minute,” uttered old Obed with much earn- 
est feeling in his manner. By thunder, if you talk 
so we shan’t let you go, most sartinly we shan’t. If 
there is the least possible danger that you won’t come 
back you hadn’t ought’r go. You know you hadn’t. 
It’s 3^er duty to take care of your vessel and crew 
first.” 

understand you,” said Vincent, who could not 
help feeling fiattered by the honest anxiety of the old 
man. I understand you, Obed ; but you do not quite 
understand me. I do not give you injunction in view 
of any danger I apprehended, but in view only of that 
lot which is common to us all.” 

^‘Ah — 3'es — well,” uttered Obed, I suppose we 
should all try to do our duty as well as we could ; but — 
but — you must come back.” 

I’ll risk him,” said Ithemar, who had been stand- 
ing near. The gunner well knew the business on 
\ which the young captain was bound, and he was the 
only one of the crew who had any clear idea about it. 
Ithemar’s remark closed the conversation, and Dur- 
kee only shook his commander warmly by the hand in 
expression of his further thoughts and feelings. 

It was nearly dusk when Vincent’s boat shoved off, 
and, by his directions, he was pulled towards the beach 
where the neck of Hahant joins with the main land. 


164 : 


ADVENTURE. 


As soon as the boat touched the strand our hero 
leaped out, and having bade his men return at once to 
the brigantine, he turned up towards the town of Lynn 
and hurried awa3^ 

He was well armed, having a pair of well tried pis- 
tols and a stout dagger, all of which were safely hidden 
from sight, and it was with a hopeful step that he 
started on his mission. He hoped to find Micah Tre- 
vett ; he hoped to find Edward Thayer ; and third, 
but by far the deepest in his soul, came the image of 
Olivia. The thought of that beautiful, lovely being 
gave strength to his steps and steeled his heart against 
the fear of danger. 

When Vincent reached the village of Lynn it w^as 
dark. There was to be no moon that night, and 
though most of the heavens were now clear, yet there 
was a thick, smoky haze coming up from the sea, andp 
it promised to be dark ere many hours. But our hero 
knew the road well, and if there were likely to be ob- 
stacles in the way they were thought little of. The 
end to be gained was uppermost, and the dangers that 
might lie between were left for their own time. 

It was near midnight when Vincent reached Win- 
nisimmet, and here Avas the first need of hesitation, 
he knew that a line of sentries were stationed all 
around the entrance to Boston, and that no one could 
openly enter the .toAAm without a passport. A bona 
fide pass, of course, he could not obtain. He dared 
not trust himself to venture through Charlestown, for 
he knew that all was commotion there, so he settled 


ADVENTURE. 


165 


upon the only chance left, and that was to procure a 
boat and run the risk of landing* in Boston under the 
cover of the darkness. 

With this intention he proceeded to the water’s edge, 
and after groping about for .some time in the darkness 
that had now enveloped the coast and bay, he found a 
small skiff, which was made fast to the ring of an old 
anchor that was embedded in the sand and mud. He 
found that he could easily launch the boat, but there 
were no oars to be found. In this emergency he be- 
thought himself of a small cot he had passed a short 
distance back, and towards that point he traced his 
steps. After searching about for. a while, and 
stumbling over various obstacles that came in his 
way, he hit upon a pair of oars that were set up in one 
corner of an old shed. He could only be guided by the 
sense of feeling in his search, but he was sure that 
the oars were sound ones, and having secured them, 
he worked his way out of the shed. 

The young captain hesitated a few moments after 
he had gained the open air, and gave a few thoughts 
to the thing he was doing. Perhaps the boat he was 
about to take might belong to a poor fisherman who 
could not afford to lose it. He would willingly have 
paid for it, but that was next to impossible under the 
present circuiu'stances. Pie had no time to spend in 
hunting up the owner, and, moreover, he had no de- 
sire to trust himself to the inquiries he might be sub- 
ject to if he should open a negotiation the fisher- 


man. 


166 


ADVENTURE. 


Never mind,” lie said to himself, as he started 
hack towards the water, with the oars upon his shoul- 
ders, I will tiy to find the owner at some future 
time, and then I will pay him. He shall lose noth- 
ing by my appropriation of his property if I can help 
it.” 

Vincent found it harder work to g*et the skiff into the 
water than he had anticipated, but he at length ac- 
complished the job, and having seated himself upon 
the only tliwart the boat contained, he got out his 
oars and put off. He had no landmarks by which to 
go, except a few twinkling lights that he could see to 
the southward, and, as he felt confident that these 
were in Boston, he took them for his guides. At first 
he pulled slowlj^, for he wished to husband his 
strength in case of need ; then the tide was in his 
favor, so he made good heading without much exer- 
tion. 

After a while our adventurer saw lights to the west 
of him, which, he supposed, m ust be in Charlestown, 
and, upon the other hand, he fancied he could detect 
the shore of Noddle’s Island. He was now confident 
that he was now on the right course, and he plied his 
oars with more energy. As he neared the shore he 
steered towards a point near which there were no lights 
burning, choosing to make out his way in the dark- 
ness rather tlian to run the risk of exposure. Ere 
long he knew from the motion of the water that he 
was close upon a landing of some sort, and giving one 
more vigorous pull at bis oars, he drew them in, and 


ADVENTURE. 


167 


then hurried to the bows of the skiff. He had barely 
time to brace himself when the boat struck, and he 
could see that he was surrounded by floating* timber, 
but that the shore was only a few feet from him. 
Having* taken particular care that his pistols should 
not get wet in case of accident, he crawled out upon 
the timber, and was soon upon dry land. 

The young* man’s eyes had now become so ac- 
customed to the darkness that he could make out 
objects about him with considerable certainty, and, 
aftei* gazing* about him for a while, he discovered that 
he was in a shipj^ard. At first he thought it might 
be Baker’s, but he saw lights to the left which he 
knew must be upon the North Battery, and he con- 
cluded that he had landed in Greenough’s yard. He 
knew enough of the localities of the town to guide him 
now, and, with a cautious tread, he moved up towards 
the street. The gate of the yard was locked, but he 
managed to crawl under it, and, in doing so, dropped 
one of his pistols. He picked it up, but, instead of 
putting it back from whence it had fallen, he kept it 
in his hand. 

Who goes there at this instant came startlingly 
upon Vincent’s ear. 

The 3mung patriot captain looked up, and could 
plainly distinguish the sentinel only a few paces from 
him. 

A friend !” he quickly returned, having made . up 
his mind instantaneously upon the course he would 
pursue, 


168 


ADVENTURE, 


Then advance and give me the countersign !” or^ 
dered the soldier. 

Vincent advanced, but the sentinel again interrupted 
him by bringing his musket to a charge and ordering 
him to Stand !” 

Now give me the countersign !” 

Bar — Me — Mo, — I declare, I can’t think of it. 
Let me see : Me — Po — Fla, — upon my soul I must have 
forgotten it."” 

Vincent seemed to be exerting himself to the utmost 
to call to mind the talismanic word. 

^Mt’s no use,’’ he continued. You’ll have to call 
the officer of the guard. He will know me.” 

Can’t call no officer now,” bluntly returned the 
soldier. You had better try to think of the counter- 
sign.” 

I tell you it’s of no use. Colonel Leslie gave me 
the word himself, but it’s gone from me now as sure as 
fate. You’d better call your lieutenant or sergeant, 
or something, and I’ll — ” 

I tell you ’twon’t work. If you haint got the coun- 
tersign you must just consider yourself my prisoner — 
that’s all.” 

Very well. Just tell me where I must go and I’ll 
follow.” 

As Vincent spoke the soldier brought his musket to 
his shoulder. 

This was the movement our hero had been watching 
for, and, with a sudden bound, he leaped forward and 
struck tlie sentry upon the side of the h.eaid with the 


ADVENTURE. 


169 


butt of his pistol. The blow was struck with all the 
young* man’s might, and the unsuspecting soldier sank 
upon the pavement like a dead man. Vincent stopped 
not to see what were likely to be the ultimate effects of 
his blow, but, at the top of his speed, he started off up 
North Street. 

Fora long distance he traveled on without coming 
across another sentry, and also without seeing any 
signs of a place where he might find lodgings. 

He naturally supposed that the further he kept from 
the wharves the less would be the danger of meeting 
sentinels, and in the end it seemed he was right, for he 
gained the head of Union Street without meeting any 
more of them. Here Vincent stopped a while to think. 
He was well acquainted with an old man, named Fal- 
lon, who kept an inn in Liddell’s Lane, not far from 
the head of Long Wharf. He had stopped with the 
old man often when he had been in Boston, times past, 
and he knew that his heart was in the right place. 

Our hero was not long in making up his mind that 
he Avould seek old Fallon, and, just as the town clock 
struck the hour of two, he started down Dock Square 
and Merchant’s Row. He passed two sentries on his 
way, but under cover of the darkness, he escaped them, 
and, at length, he had crossed King Street in safety. 
He had just entered Mackerel Lane (now Kilby Street), 
when he was startled by the sound of voices ahead of 
him. Directly upon his right hand he could distin- 
guish an outlet of some description, and into this he 
carefully turned, He found it to be a sort of narrow 


iro 


ADVENTURE, 


slied, and, as lie found liis way in, he discovered that 
it was partly full of wood. By the time he had gained 
what he thought a place of safety, the voices which he 
had heard had come to the entrance of the shed, and 
Vincent was not a little uneasy upon finding that he 
was likely to have visitors, for he knew that some one 
w^as entering. But he did not give a sound that could 
indicate his presence. He crowded himself as far out 
of the way as possible, and, having cautiousl.y cocked 
one of his pistols, he awaited the result of this un- 
looked-for companionship. 


CHAPTER XXI. 


THE ASSASSINS. 

Vincent Gray had been crouched away in his place 
of concealment some five minutes. During this time 
he had made up his mind that the fellows who had 
come into the shed were not after him> but that the}^ 
had come in for some purpose of their own. He 
judged that there were onl^^ two of them, for he could 
just distinguish the outlines of their forms against the 
open space in front of the shed. 

— sh,” uttered one of the men, in a low tone, but 
yet loud enough for Vincent to distinctly hear, ^^you 
must be careful now. We must do the thing, to-night, 
if ever.” 

Yes,” returned his companion, ^^and that must 
be soon, too, for it strikes me that Twon’t be a great 
while before daylight.” 

^^Xo,” resumed the first speaker; ^^but then he’ll 
be sure to be along before that time.” 

There was a silence of some minutes, during which 
both the men occasionally peered out into the alley. 

I hope you haven’t made a blunder now,” at 
length said he who had before been the second to-speak. 

Blunder ? What d’ye mean ?” 

^ Why s’pose he shouldn’t come along here, after all?” 


172 


THE ASSASSINS. 


^^0,1 know he will. I saw him go into Admiral 
Grave’s house, up in Cow Lane, and 1 know he'll come 
hack this way. This is the way he went, and it’s the 
nearest for him.’' 

Seems to me this is a curious time for him to go 
and see the Admiral ?” 

^'Not a bit of it. Old Graves has been down in the 
harbor and didn’t get back till nearly midnight ; and 
the young chain’s business was kind of pressing. You 
see while I was under the window I heard something 
of his business, so I know just how to act.” 

^^Well, now, I should just like to know what you 
heard. Don’t be keeping ever^Thing to yourself.” 

^^Easy, Darby. Of course I couldn’t tell you out in 
the open street, but, you see, I heard just enough to 
let me know that he’d gone up to the Admiral’s to get 
him put a stop to old Trevett’s leaving the town. 
Hark ! what noise was that?” 

I didn’t hear no noise.” 

But I did. I heard somebody move in here.” 

0, that must have been me. I trod on a stick of 
wood. Don’t be scared at nothing.” 

I ain’t easilj^ scared. Darby; but I shouldn’t like 
to be ketched in this business.” 

Neither should I ; but old Trevett’s gold — ” 

There’s that noise again!” uttered the first speak- 
er. By the cross. Darby, there’s somebody here.” 

I tell you I don’t believe it.” 

Well, I’ll look, anyway. You keep watch here, 
^.nd I’ll take a- survey in amongst the wood there/’ 


THE ASSASSINS. 


173 


Vincent heard the fellow poking* in amongst the 
wood ; hut he grasped his pistol firmly and remained 
perfectl}^ quiet. Upon hearing the name of Trevett 
he had made an involuntary movement, for it had 
startled him ; and now he began to collect his thoughts, 
and, even while the ruffian was hunting about among 
the woodj he took time to reflect upon what he had 
heard. He had no fear of the two fellows who had 
come to the shed, for he had every advantage over 
them ; but yet he did not wish to be discovered, and for 
this he had two weighty reasons. In the first place, 
though he might easily defend himself with his pistols, 
yet they would expose him to a chance of publicity 
which he did not covet; and, secondl^^, he wished to 
know the result of the intentions of his two invisible 
companions. The last thought had the most weight 
upon his mind, and, if for nothing else, he would have 
risked a great deal for satisfaction on that point. He 
had heard enough to satisfy him that these men were 
about to do some job for Mr. Trevett, and of course, 
he thought it must be Micali Trevett. Is it a wonder 
that his mind should run on to a second person — and 
that second person should be Edward Thayer ? At 
last that was the course which his mind took, and he 
was overwhelmed with anxiety. The whole affair was 
strange, very strange, and even now, Vincent fancied 
that he could see a wonderful providence in the results 
of his adventure that had thus far crowded upon 
him. 

For two or three minutes the fellow, who had thought 


THE ASSASSINS. 


174 

to search out the occasion of the noise he had heard, 
groped his way around amongst the wood, hut he did 
not come near the spot where our hero was ensconced. 
He was feeling his way out to the extreme corner of 
the shed, when, hy some mishap, he contrived to over- 
turn a pile of wood, and, as it came rattling down, he 
started hack towards the entrance. 

''There, I should think ^mu’d hunted about enough,” 
growled the man who had remained on the watch. 

The other applied rather an indelicate epithet to the 
unfortunate wood pile, and, at the same time, he stoop- 
ed as if to rub his ankle. He had but just commenced 
this last .movement when he was aroused by a quick 
exclamation from his companion. 

"Hist ! Here comes somebody. It must be him.” 

" Ha ! — so it is. Steady now. Darby. We mustn’t 
miss a stroke.” 

"But s’pose’n it shouldn’t be him?” suggested 
Darb^^ 

" It must be him. But I^"e thought of a way to 
make sure. As soon as he comes along you make a 
groaning noise, as though you were in pain. Groan 
in real good earnest, now, and he’ll be sure to stop. 
As soon as I hear his voice I shall know him.” 

"Wonderful,” uttered Darby. "I’ll commence 
now.^^ 

And thereupon, the fellow commenced to groan right 
lustily. He did it in the most agonizing style, and it 
had the desired effect. The pedestrian gradually ap- 
proached the spot, and as he came nearer, the ruffian 


THE ASSASSINS. 


ITS 


renewed the piteous moaning’ with extra zeal. It had 
now become so light that objects could be seen in out- 
line quite plainly. Vincent could see the forms of his 
two companions, and he could also see into the street. 
He could hear the footsteps of the coming man, and 
his nerves were strung for the conflict in which he was 
determined to engage. 

Now mind, Darby,” whispered lie who seemed to 
be spokesman, ‘^w^emust do the work without dag- 
gers. As soon as I am sure of the man I’ll strike, and 
you must follow suit. We mustn’t cry out to give any 
alarm. — sh ! Look sharp, now !” 

As the pedestrian reached the entrance to the shed, 
he stopped. 

''What’s the matter here?” he asked, while Darby 
still kept up his groaning. 

In an instant Vincent recognized the voice of Edward 
Thayer. He had carefully possessed himself of a stout 
billet of wood, and without waiting to hear Darby’s 
answer, he sprang from the place where he had been 
concealed. 

Vincent had had his eye from the first upon the head 
of the ruffian who was to strike first, and upon that 
head his club was aimed. 

He struck with all his might, and the fellow sank 
upon the pavement without a groan. Darby started 
up, but he Avas too late to use the dagger which he had 
drawn, for our hero had marked him and the ponder- 
ous club came crashing down upon his head. Both 
those blows had been studied upon — the x>atriot cap- 


176 


THE ASSASSINS. 


tain had counted upon them with a certainty ; his eyes 
had been true and his nerves steady ; and those two 
blows had been just such ones as a butcher gives when 
he settles his axe- upon the massive brow of a stout ox. 

Edward ! Edward !” cried our hero, stepping over 
the forms of the two prostrate men. 

Just Heaven ejaculated Thayer—for he it was. 

Who are you 

You know Vincent Gray.’* 

Yes — yes ; bub this scene. What means it ? Vin- 
cent — is it really you ?” 

It is, most certainly.’’ 

Edward Thayer seemed, at first, inclined to doubt 
the evidence of his own senses ; but he soon convinced 
himself that he was, indeed, in the presence of his 
friend. 

You are indeed, Vincent,” he exclaimed, at the same 
time extending his hand. But what means all this ?” 

In as few words as possible our hero related all the 
circumstances, from the time of his leaving the brig- 
antine, at Swampscott, up to the present moment. , 

^""Then this is some of Trevett’s work,” uttered 
Thayer, after Vincent had concluded. O, what a 
villain that man must be !” 

So he is, Edward. So he is. But his course is 
well nigh run. I think we have him now — that is, if 
he’s to be found.” 

O, I know where to find him,” returned Thaj^er. 

^^Then,” resumed Vincent, ^Gie is at the end of his 
race. But we must look after these two fellows here. 


THE ASSASSINS. 


177 


Let us go around to Fallon’s inn and get a lantern. 
Ill trust the old man.” 

Without hesitation, Thayer accompanied his friend 
around to Lindall’s Lane, where they easily found the 
inn. There was a light burning in the barroom, and, 
upon entering, they found that the old man had just 
arisen. The matter was quickly explained to him — or, 
at least, so much of it as was thought necessary, and 
he was requested to furnish a lantern. 

Ell — Vincent — ” 

— sh interrupted our hero, as he saw the jolly old 

publican had recognized him, hope I may trust you.'’’ 

Trust me ? — that yon may. I know you — I know 
what you have been up to. I know you’ve trod on the 
king’s corns most unmercifully, and I love you for it, 
my boy. Trust me I” again repeated Fallon, in a low 
tone, but yet with the deepest, truest energy, ‘‘ my soul, 
when a patriot mayn’t trust old Bob Fallon, then I hope 
I may be buried in one of my own wine vats, that’s all.” 

I believe you,” said Vincent, as he returned 
the warm grasp of the old man. ‘VDon’t speak my 
name in the hearing of the royalists.” 

Don’t be alarmed on that account. But come — I’ll 
light my lantern and, in the meantime, you just try 
the virtue of that fellow.” 

Fallon pulled a black bottle out from a distant corner 
as he spoke, and set it before our hero. 

^‘That I keeps for particular friends,” 3:’esumedthe 
old man, as he pricked up the wick of the lantern- 
lamp. If you’ve been out all night it’ll do you good.” 


178 


THE ASSASSINS. 


Both our hero and Edward felt in the mood for a 
slight stimulus, and they partook sparingly of the 
wine — for wine it w^as, and of the pure vintage, too. 
By this time Fallon was ready, and together the three 
set out for the scene of the adventure. 

Here they he, still as mice,’’ said the old publican, 
as he came up to the spot and held his lantern down. 
^^And British soldiers, too. Wake up, here, you 
hloodj^ thieves !” 

^^Is it possible you have killed them, Vincent?” 
uttered Thayer, seeing that neither of them moved 
beneath Fallon’s exertions. 

^‘Perhaps I did,” returned Vincent. I struck 
with all my power.” 

They’re dead, as sure as fate,” said the inn- 
keeper. Gracious ! their heads are both smashed in 
like rotten pumpkins. No wmnder they died.” 

What is to be done ?” queried our hero, still a little 
anxious as to wiiat the final result might be. 

Leave that with me,” returned Edward. I am 
intimate with General Gage, and I will take the whole 
of this upon my shoulders. You shall not appear in 
it at all. As soon as it is fairly da^iight I will lodge 
the proper intelligence at the guard house.” 

Vincent thanked his friend for this, and, shortly 
afterw^ards, the trio returned to the inn, where Fallon 
proceeded to build a fire, intimating, as he did so, that 
his tw^o friends should soon have something substan- 
tial for the benefit of their inner man.” 

Now, Edward,” said our hero, while Boniface was 


THE ASSASSINS. 


179 


out, we must liave Trevett in our power as soon as 
possible. I know something of his attempts to leave 
the town, and I fear he may accomplish his object if 
we do not move upon him at once. Do you know where 
to find him 

Yes ; I know the very house he occupies. I learned 
of it yesterday. Yes, we will find him ; we will crush 
him ; but, Vincent, alas ! I have lost much that I may 
need in the work.” 

What is it you have lost, Edward ?” 

Papers — documents. They were in — ” 

An oaken box,” interrupted our hero. A box 
bound with brass, and bearing your name upon a silver 
plate on the top.” 

Yes, yes,” uttered Thayer. 

Then rest you easy on that score.” 

But you do not mean that you have the box ?” 

^^Not with me ; but I have all the papers, safe, here 
in my pocket.” 

‘^Heaven bless you, Vincent? Get a light— let’s 
have a room by ourselves. Safe — safe did you say ? 
0 -” 

At this moment Fallon returned. V incent requested 
a private room for a short time, and having lighted a 
lamp, the kind host led the way to one of his back 
rooms — a small out-of-the way place, where private 
meals were sometimes served. 

After he had gone and left them alone they sat down 
by the table and then Vincent drew the papers from 
his pocket. They were carefully tied up in an oilcloth 


180 


THE ASSASSINS. 


covering', and with trembling hands Edward opened 
the package. 

Where — how did you get them?’’ he asked as he 
threw oIT the string. 

Vincent told the story of their recoverj^ and when 
he had finished, Edward ran his eyes over them. 

Are the^^ all there ?” asked our hero. 

Yes — all,” whispered Thayer. They are all here. 

God be praised !” 

And you must not blame me that I read some of 
them,” continued Vincent, for I only sought light 
to guide me in the way I should operate with them.” 

Then you know their secret ?” said Edward with a 
twinkling eye. 

Yes ; I could not heip it. I would not have done 
it, but—” 

Tut, tut, my dear Vincent. You did perfectly 
right — or so near right, at all events, that I shall bless 
you for it while I live. Now let’s to breakfast.” 

‘‘And then to Micah Trevett’s,” added our hero. 

“ Not quite. I must see to the two villains in the 
wood-house first. They must be looked to.’’ 

“ I am sorry I killed them ; but ’twas their own 
fault.” 

“ ’Twas a blessing to the world that they died,” 
said Edward, “ so think no more of it. Come, let’s 
hasten, now. The. sun is rising. O, these papers make 
me strong once more !” 


CHAPTER XXIL 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTION. 

The sun was Just peeping* up over the blue waters of 
the ba3^ when Micah Trevett had finished dressing* 
himself. His face was very pale^, and his whole frame 
trembled violentl3^ His features, noAV that they are 
seen b}^ daylig*ht, all betra^^an unusual sharpness, and 
the brow has g*rown lower and the furrows are multi- 
plied and deeper. Even the hair has g*rown whiter, 
and the long* locks quiver with the agitation of the 
bod}^, almost as though the^^ were swept by the wind. 
He gazed nervously about the room when he had 
clothed himself. He heard a noise in the street and 
looked out at his window. He saw men and bo^^s 
hurrying along — all anxious to make the best of their 
^Y2by. He thought some of them looked up at his win- 
dow and he drew tremblingly back. 

Poor man ! His cup of bitterness was well nigh f ull— 
and its fiood was poison too. He had filled it himself. 
Drop by drop had he let in the soul-searing tide, and 
now, while it trembled near the brim seeming every 
moment to overrun, he only sought to let in another 
fiood to swell the already accumulated sea of condem- 
nation. 4 Iis heart was not softened ; his soul was not 
moved b^^ even a thought of repentance. It was only 


182 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTION. 


bitterness that was in his life-cup, and in liis heart he 
still held the demon that had lured hi n from the first. 

He heard footsteps below, and, being' satisfied that 
his hostess had arisen, he pulled at the tattered bell 
cord that hung* in one corner of the room. The sum- 
mons was soon answered by Dame Lambert herself. 
She was a portl^^ woman, man}^ years past the bloom 
of life, possessing' a fair share of g'ood nature and seem- 
ing' not over scrupulous in matters of order and clean- 
liness. 

^^How, Dame Lambert,” said the old man, haste 
thee with my breakfast as speedily as ma^^ be.” 

As soon as lean fetch my water a bilin’,” re- 
turned the dame. 

By the wa^^ what was all this noise about in the 
the street 

Wh3^, sir,” said she, opening her e^^es ver^^ widelj^ 
^Hhere was a horrid murder last night.’’ 

Ha !” uttered Trevett, while a gleam of fieifdish 
exultation shot athwart his face. ' ' Where was it ?” 

'' Down in Mackerel Lane, I believe. O, what horrid 
works!” 

Yes, 3^es, dame, it is horrible. I hope the villains 
may be apprehended.” 

So do I, sir. Ah, me, these are terrible times. 
Nobody ain’t safe now. How I should like to see the 
murderers hung.” 

^^A laudable wish, dame — ver^^,” said Trevett, 
with a slight twitching of the facial muscles. *‘So 
you. are sure it was a downright murder?” 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTIONo 


183 


“ 0 yes, sir.” 

“ And do they know the young man’s name ?” 

“What young man?” 

“ Why, the one that was murdered, to he sure.” 

0, Lord bless you, ’twant no young man, ’Twas 
a couple of soldiers ’at was murdered.” 

“Soldiers! Two soldiers?” gasped the old man. 

“ O, no, you mistake— you heard it wrong. No, no, 
no— perhaps two soldiers did the murder !” 

“ I tell you, sir, I heard the news direct. It was 
two soldiers ’at was killed. Old MacNeal just come 
down here from his rope-yard an’ he had been an’ seen 
the bodies. One of the soldiers he said was Darby, 
and t’other was Mike Finch. , But, bless my soul, sir, 
you needn’t be so frightened. Nobody won’t kill you. ” 

“I am not afraid of that,” uttered Trevett, strug- 
gling with emotion. “ But it always affects me thus 
to hear of murder. There— go and get our breakfast, 
and bring it here to my room.” 

‘‘Two soldiers !” groaned Micah Trevett, after he 
was left alone. “ 0, heaven ! if the fates be against 
me now ! But no— I’ll bear up against them ! They 
shall not overcome ! Mike and Darby both dead 1 
The youngster must bear a charmed life I This is the 
third time— and yet he lives !” 

Thus was the old man murmuring to himself when ^ 
Olivia entered the room ; and, almost at the same mo- 
ment, Dame Lambert appeared with a waiter, upon 
which were coffee and toast.” 

“ Set it down, dame,” said Trevett, “and now go 


184 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTION. 


and watcli below. You know I pay you well for your 
trouble.” 

yes, sir; most excellently well,” replied the 
woman, with a sparkling eye— for she thought of 
golden guineas. 

Then look you Avell to the door. Allow no one to 
enter until I am gone. If any one comes — if they ask 
for me — tell them that I am gone — that your house is 
empty. Tell them I am gone to — to--Roxbury. Tell 
them I went away secretly — in the night— last night ; 
that — I — I was afraid to stay here. Mind and tell 
them that. Be sure that you make them believe that 
lam gone.” 

^^Yes, sir,” hesitatingty replied the hostess, gazing 
with wonder in the terror-wrought features of the old 
man. Yes, sir. But shall I'^tell them that you was 
afraid to stay here ?” 

Yes, 3^es ; for then they will think more surety I 
am gone.” 

Dame Lambert cast a long, searching look upon her 
guest, and then she left the room. After she had gone 
Micah Trevett poured him out a cup of coffee and 
drank it. After this he sat down by the table and 
drew a piece of toast upon his plate. Olivia watched 
him with anxious glances, and one might have seen, 
from the marks upon her countenance, that she was 
moved by something more than a mere settled melan- 
choly. 

Father,” she timidty said, heard Mrs. Lam- 
bert speak of a murder.” 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTION. 


185 


^^Yes/’ returned the old man ^ trying* to be calm, 
'' she did speak of it. It seems two soldiers were 
murdered last night. 

Were they the same that were here ?” 

The girl seemed to have asked the question instinct- 
ively. She did not, surel^q call to mind all the 
bearings of the thing, or she would not have asked 
it. 

The same that were here !” repeated Trevett, in a 
low whisper, at the same time turning pale. What 
do you mean 

Olivia hesitated ; but she found that she had com- 
menced, and she determined now to carry it through. 
She had a terrible suspicion — a suspicion that had been 
gradually creeping over her mind — that her father 
was a guilty man ; that some great crime hung upon 
his soul. All his movements tended to strengthen her 
in this opinion, and she cared not now how soon she 
knew the whole truth. It might be dreadful to her ; 
it might crush her already bleeding heart, but she 
Avished to know" the truth. She felt a spirit of bold- 
ness, too, creep OA"er her soul — for the very worst she 
could have to fear was a knowdedge of the truth she 
suspected. As for her father, she felt that, let .his 
wrath reach as high as it Avould, he could harm her no 
more. He could not heap more suffering upon her 
head than she already bore. 

What mean you, girl, by that question repeated 
the old man. 

I meant to ask you if those two soldiers Avho have 


186 


BAWN OF RETRIBUTION. 


been murdered, were tlie same that were here with 
you nig*ht before last.” 

''Ha! How know you that I had two soldiers 
here ?” uttered Trevett, dropping* the piece of toast he 
had taken upon his fork and gazing sharply into the 
face of the girl. 

" I heard them here,” calmly replied Olivia. 

''Ay— you may have heard them— but did you see 
them ?” 

"Yes.” 

" How ?” 

" 1 looked through the little window in my room, 
when they were going out.” 

" And did you hear what we said ? Did you know 
their business here? Speak— speak, girl, or by 
the—” 

Olivia uttered a quick cry as her father caught her 
by the arm, and in spite of her resolution, she was 
frightened by his terrible look. 

"No — no,” she gasped, " I heard nothing.” 

"Not a syllable? Beware! Did you not hear a 
word?” 

" No, no. I onlj^ saw that they were two soldiers.” 

" Well, ” whispered the old man, letting go the poor 
girl’s arm, and sinking back into his chair, " they 
were the two who have been murdered. But why do 
you look at me so sharply ? Why do your eyes burn 
so? I had nothing to do with their death. Turn 
away that gaze ! Look not at me so !” 

Olivia was awe-struck by the sudden change which 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTION. 


187 


came over her father. He looked at her as if he were 
affrig-hted, and his eyes were set and glass^^ 

I had nothing* to do with the murder, I tell yoii,’^ 
he continued. Heaven ! there’s not a drop of 

hlood upon my hands ! See — see — are they not white 
and clean ? They would he red and g*ory if there were 
hlood upon them!” 

Olivia shrank away from the wild light that gleam- 
ed in the old man’s eyes, and a cold shudder ran 
through lier frame — for she saw his mind was wander- 
ing. But he soon regained himself, and, for some 
time, he sat with his hrow resting upon his hands. 
At length he started up from his seat and gazed about 
him. 

^^Come,” he said, speaking quietlj^, we must pre- 
pare to leave this place now. I have disguises prepar- 
ed. Here is a suit of hoy’s clothing for you. The old 
woman’s gown will hide me.” 

What ! and must we leave here in such a shape ?” 
murmured Olivia. 

^‘^Yes; any shape, so that we may get away in 
safety. Come, a vessel sails to-day, and a passage is 
engaged for an old woman and her son. Let us once 
get heyond the confines of the colonies, and we may he 
safe.” 

^^Safe from what?” asked the maiden, in a low 
voice. 

^^Ask me no more questions, hut dress your- 
self.” 

Micah Trevett shuddered when his child asked that 


188 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTION. 


question, but be mastered the emotion, and, having 
given his answer, he turned towards a bundle that lay 
upon a chair near him, and proceeded to untie it. 
First he took out an old wmolen gown, and then a 
black silk hood and shawl. He had just laid these 
upon the table, Avhen he was startled by an outcry 
from Dame Lambert. He started up from his occupa- 
tion ; but, before he had thought of going to the door, 
he heard the sound of footsteps upon the stairs. They 
were too heavy for the steps of his hostess. He 
sprang forward to lock the door, but he was too late. 
It was opened before he could reach it, and Vincent 
Gray entered the room. 

The jmung patriot captain stood for a moment w ith- 
out speaking. He gazed upon Olivia, and a shade of'' 
anguish swept across his features as he saw how pale 
she looked. She had started from her seat, and her 
hand was pressed hard upon her brow. 

Olivia,” pronounced our hero, in a trembling voice. 

Olivia, I have come to save you.” 

The fair girl took a step forward, and then stop- 
ped. Vincent saw wdiy she hesitated, and he moved 
quicklj^ to her side. 

Fear not,” he said, as he caught her hand and 
pressed it to her lips. ^^-F'ear not, dear girl, for I have ' 
come to save you.” 

To sav5 her ! villain !” cried Trevett, now recover- 
ing himself, and springing forward. 

Back ! back ! old man !’' exclaimed Vincent, still 
holding the maiden \)y^ the hand. 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTION. 


189 


Who are you that orders me back thundered 
the g-ray “haired old man. 

One who knoivs you P’ returned Captain Gray, in 
a calm, deej) tone. 

These words were very simple, but they had a won- 
derful effect upon Micah Trevett. He drew back from 
the gaze which the young man had fixed upon him, 
and he shuddered. But he soon worked his way back 
to the possession of his assurance. 

Ay,’^ he utterecV^with a mad voice, and I know 
you. By my soul, your head shall not rest on your 
shoulders through another da^^ Yougshall know 
what Tis to beard me. Let go the villain^ hand, Oli- 
via. Let go, I say !” 

Hold, sir ! Lay but a hand upon this pure form, 
and by the Lord that me, I’ll level thee to the dust ! 
Out, you base murderer !” 

Mitrclej^er cried Olivia, starting back in affright. 

O, do not say that my father is a murderer !” 

^'Ha! ha!” scornfully, bitterly laughed Micah 
Trevett. See now how kindly the pirate-chieftain 
can be. Now, base girl, let go his hand, or bear the 
dreadful curse I spoke once in your ear. Ha ! I see 
jmu remember it !” 

Olivia did remember that fearful curse, for she drew 
tremblingly back, and shut both her hands over her 
face. 

O, leave me, Vincent — leave me,’’ she groaned. 

Leave me to my fate 1” 

.‘^Up! up I Olivia,” quickly replied the youth. ^^Up 


190 


DAWN OF RETRIBUTION^ 


to your soul of love and purity lie continued, again 
seizing her by the hand and drawing her to his bosom. 

O, m3^ soul of souls — purest, dearest love, there 
is no more danger for thee. That base man is not 
even to be feared.’’ 

Micah Trevett seized a chair and raised it above his 
head. With e^^es glaring like coals of lire he darted 
upon the ^mung man ; but his blow ivas of no avail, 
for Vincent had been on his guard, and the chair was 
broken in pieces upon the floor. 

^^Back! back! old man,” pronounced our hero. 

Here comes one who can make you see ^murself.” 

Footsteps sounded upon the stairs as Vincent spoke. 
Micah Trevett seemed to know their import, for he 
shrank back aghast, and stood like the condemned 
awaiting his death-doom ! 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


* CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 

^^Ah! Vincent, you’ve cornered the villain!” ex- 
claimed Edward, as he came hurrying into the room. 

Yes,” returned our hero. 

Edward Thayer!” murmured Olivia, gazing into 
the face of the new-comer. 

No, no, sweet girl,” returned the young man. ^^I 
am Edward Thayer no more after this. Edward 
Wellington is my name.” 

Wellington — Wellington,” murmured the maiden, 
gazing hard upon him. ^^Surel}^, I remember that 
name. O, tell me, sir, what is it that hangs upon my 
memory.” 

^‘Out, out!” yelled Micah Trevett, starting for- 
ward, and wrenching the trembling girl from the 
young captain’s embrace. ^^It’s all a lie! — a base, 
fiendish lie ! You cannot prove it !” 

Prove what ?” calmly asked the young English- 
man, as Olivia sank into a chair behind the old man. 

The foul nonsense you have hatched up,’' hissed 
Trevett. 

Ay, but I can prove it.” 

No, no — you have no papers — no documents. It’s 
a lie! a base lie !” 


192 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


have the papers, Micah Trevett ; I have them 
safe. The very ones you stole from me, and which 
in turn were lost upon the highway. God has given 
them into my hands again, sir; and he has also led 
you to the brink of the fate you deserve.” 

The old man sprang to his trunk, and, before he 
could be stopped, he had taken therefrom a pistol, 
which he aimed at the head of the young man who had 
just spoken; but Vincent Gray knocked the weapon 
down, and with the same movement, he forced the 
gra^Mieaded villain back into a chair. 

O, Micah Trevett,^’ spoke Edward Wellington, in 
low, measured tones, at the same time, shaking his 
finger with meaning emphasis, ‘Glow low have you 
fallen ! O, where is all the ambition that had led 
you through life ! Old man, I would fain spare you, 
but I cannot.” 

The old man sank back into his chair and groaned 
aloud, while Vincent Gray turned to where sat Olivia, 
and took her hand once more. 

Do not tremble,” he whispered. Look up, dear- 
est. You shall be happy.” 

The fair maiden faintly smiled though her tears ; 
and she seemed struggling to believe that her lover 
had spoken the truth. 

Micah Trevett,” continued Edward, still standing 
in front of the old man, ^Get me tell you a story. It 
is a plain, simple tale and one with which I am well 
acquainted. There once lived in England a wealthy 
baronet named William Wellington. His wife died, 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


193 


and left him with two children — a little hoy and an 
infant daughter. 

Sir William did not live long* to mourn the loss of 
his wife ; and when he knew he was dying*, he called 
his college-mate — a mate whom he thought to be his 
friend — to his bedside, and into his hands he gave the 
whole of his vast w^ealth, and his children. Sir William 
bade that man to take care of his children and when 
they were of age to turn the property over to them. 
He left all the documents necessary for the transaction 
of the business, and so true did he think his fr*iend that 
he gave them, also, to his keeping. Shortly after that 
Sir William died.” 

Stop ! stop,” groaned Trevett. 

Not yet, old man. You must hear the whole now. 
Not long after the baronet died the guardian of his 
children went on a visit to the north of Scotland. He 
had friends and relatives in Aberdeen, and, while there, 
the bo3^ — the eldest child — was lost amid the mountain 
fastnesses of the Mar forest.” 

But that was an accident. Oh, it was all unfor- 
seen !” gasped the old man. ‘‘The boy was searched 
for long and thoroughly. He was a wild, unruly child, 
and he wandered away.” 

I know all that,” continued Edward. “ But the 
boy was not utterly lost, for the young Lord Montague 
found him and took care of him. The guardian re- 
turned to London, and, shortly afterwards, he em- 
barked for America ; and now he began to look with 
longing eyes upon the wealth he had in charge. He 


194 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


began to hope that the boy mightr be dead, and with 
the entrance of this hope his heart began to harden. 
Among the documents which Sir William had left was 
one that provided that when his daughter was mar- 
ried, let it be at what age it might, her share of prop- 
erty should be given up to her. Now, sir, how did 
that guardian do his duty? He destroyed all the 
papers he held ; taught the child that she was his own 
daughter; and finally claimed the wealth that was 
not his, and used it for himself. He hoped that the 
thing was lost to other memories but his own. He 
hoped that the boy was dead ; that the evidence of his 
crime was swept away by the hand of time ; and, at 
length he began to flourish as one of the rich men of 
the colonies. He did not know that the keen-sighted 
attorney had kept duplicates of the documents he had 
drawn up for the baronet ; but such was the case, and 
those duplicates fell into the hands of Lord Montague, 
with whom the son of Sir William still lives. Search 
was at once commenced. At the instigation of Mon- 
tague, the youth changed his name, fearing that the 
name of W ellington would frighten the game before it 
could be trapped. Information was gained that the 
false guardian was in Salem. Montague landed the 
youth there — and — and — you know what has trans- 
pired since. You know the murder that has rested in 
your heart.” 

“ O ! O !” groaned the old man. 

“Ah, Micali Trevett, I wonder not that your heart 
is heavy. Look up at me, sir. I am that boy whom 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


195 


you lost in the forest of Mar ; you are the man to 
whom Sir William Wellington entrusted his children 
and his wealth; and you — you, Olivia — my own, my 
dear, my long-lost sister. God has given — ” 

Edward Wellington could speak no further. Tears 
filled his eyes and choked his utterance. But he saw 
the fair girl who had sprang to his bosom ; he felt her 
tears as they fell upon his cheeks ; he heard her sweet 
voice as it called him brother,’^ and, with his arms 
twining fondly about her, he raised his streaming e^^es 
to heaven. 

Olivia drank in the heaven-sent truth, nor dwelt 
there a doubt of all she had heard in her mind.. It was 
open to her soul — not altogether as a thing of new 
creation, but more as the clearing up of hopes and 
aspirations that had lain long hidden in the darkness 
of the past. 

Micah Trevett, have I not spoken the truth ?” 

The old man said, Yes,” and, even as the word 
trembled upon his lips, his head fell backward, and he 
rolled from his chair. Vincent sprang to his side and 
lifted him up. 

‘‘ He has only fainted,” said our hero, as he laid his 
hand upon the old man’s heart. Let us send for 
help at once.” 

Trevett was assisted to the bed that Olivia had oc- 
cupied, and the hostess promised to look after his wel- 
fare. 

Now, my dear Vincent,” said Edward Wellington, 
after the three were alone, you must leave Boston, 


196 


CAN YOU FORGIVE MB ? 


for the present. This case must go before a legal tri- 
bunal, where Olivia and mj^self must both appear ; but, 
of course, you cannot accompany us. You know that 
even now you are not safe. It has leaked out, even 
now, that it was not reall}^ I who killed the two as- 
sassins. Whilst I was in the General’s quarters, this 
morning, I obtained a pass for you under the name of 
Thomas Leavenworth. It will pass you safely through 
Charlestown, and from thence you take your own 
course as it seems best. You know the rebel captain 
who has captured a royal brigantine, and sunk one of 
his Majesty’s brigs-of-war, is not very safe in the heart 
of the British camp.” 

‘‘I know— I know’,” said Vincent. ^‘And yet it 
seems hard.” 

Olivia divined his meaning, and she quickly twined 
her arms about his neck. 

Go — go,” she uttered, O, you are not safe here. 
It would break by heart if danger were to come to you 
now. Go, and be safe, and, when the danger is passed, 
then will we meet again.” 

Bless you, sweet girl,” trembled upon the young 
man’s lips, as he strained her to his bosom. Yes, I 
will go, and I shall go happy, for I know that you love 
me.” 

Ay, Vincent; and that nothing can turn that love 
from its source. We shall meet again, soon.” 

Vincent turned towards Edward Wellington. You 
will be careful of her,” he said, in a choking tone. 

‘‘Yes,” warmly returned the happy brother, “as 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


197 


though she were part of my own soul. She is yours, 
Vincent, and I will hold her in trust for you.’’ 

Then I can ask no more,” murmured our hero. 

And now you must go, Vincent. I expect General 
Gage will soon send here, for he knows the object of 
my visit to this place. Hark ! — there they come now.” 

Vincent Gray snatched one more kiss from the lips 
of the noble girl he loved ; grasped the warm hand of 
her brother ; and then, with a trembling prayer upon 
his lips, he turned away and hastened from the danger 
that beset him. 

The pass that Edward had obtained conducted our 
hero safe out of Boston, and, before dark that night, 
he was once more on the deck of his own proud vessel. 
His step was light, his heart was strong, and his crew 
knew that he had been blessed with success. The 
augury was simple, but the patriot seamen gathered 
new courage from its manifestation. 

It was towards the middle of the afternoon of a 
calm, pleasant day that Edward Wellington and his 
lost sister sat together in their room. Olivia had re- 
gained her wonted vigor, and the bloom of health was 
once more upon her cheek. Edward held in his hand 
a copy of the Independent Clironicle, a paper, at the 
time published in Boston by Powers & Willis — two 
men who did not hesitate to speak out manfully on the 
subject of their countr^^’s wrongs. 

He is a brave fellow,” said Edward, as he handed 
the paper to his sister. 

And a noble one, too,” responded Olivia, as she 


198 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


took the sheet and read an account of one of the king’s 
transports taken by the cruiser, of which Vincent Gray 
was commander. O, Vincent, I pray that God may 
preserve you 

The maiden trembled when she laid the paper down ; 
but it was with pride. It may be that a fear of her 
lover’s safety crept in upon her soul ; but it was soon 
overcome by a sense of his noble devotion to his 
country, and when she again looked up she was 
happy. 

Edward was just upon the point of speaking when 
some one rapped at the door, and, in a moment after- 
wards, one of the king’s officers entered. 

Sir,” he said, addressing the ^mung man, I have 
been rex^uested to come to you, and bring the message 
of a dying man. Micah Trevett would see you both — 
you and your sister.” 

Will you go, Olivia ?” asked Edward. 

O, yes,” — she would not trust herself to say more. 

Micah Trevett was in jail. He had been tried before 
a legal tribunal, and been found guilty of all the things 
whereof Edward had accused him. His wealth, which 
had all been converted into money, had been restored 
to its rightful owners — and, after this, young Well- 
ington would have let him go — but not so the officers 
of justice. They found out his connection with the 
affair that had resulted in the death of Mike Finch and 
Darby, and they held him for still another trial, for 
the crime of murder. 

Edward and Olivia were soon ready to set out, and 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


199 


they accompanied the officer hack to the jail. Trevett 
had been removed from bis cell to one of the jailor's 
private rooms, and there the brother and sister found 
him. He was upon a bed, and seemed to have just 
awakened from an uneasy slumber. 

The visitors started back with a thrill of horror as 
they beheld tlie eyes of the old man fixed upon them. 
O, how that man was changed ! He was all faded 
away into a mere shadow of his former self, and the 
deep furrows upon his brow were all working in 
agony. 

Edward, Olivia," he said in a low, husky voice, 
^^come near me. Do not shrink from me. I will not 
hurt you. I have just been praying — praying that 
God might bless you enough to make up for all the 
wrongs 1 have done you. Come near me— come." 

The brother and sister approached the old man's 
bedside. Olivia trembled violently, and her eyes were 
wet with tears. 

^‘Give me your hand," whispered the old man; 

and you, Edward. There," he continued, and he 
held both their hands, I have only hoped that I might 
live to see you both once more. O, my children, if you 
could know what I have suffered ; if you could 
know what tortures have rolled over ray soul, I know 
you would pity me ! I meant not at first to be wicked. 
O, I did not mean at first to rob you of a single right ; 
but the tempter came — ho showed me gold, and I let 
him in. Then I sinned only in thought, but it v/as 
enough to work my ruin. I let the thought remain a 


200 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


tenant of my soul^ and ere long the possession was 
lost to me forever. But it is past ! I have been wicked, 
very wicked. I have sinned against you both. Can 
you forgive me 

‘^With all my heart/’ uttered Edward, who was 
deeply moved by the old man’s misery. 

And you, Olivia — you, whom I have wronged most 
of all — can you forgive me ?” 

The old man spoke in a veiy feeble tone, and his 
grasp was weakening. '/Yes, yes — O, yes!” mur- 
mured the fair girl, down whose cheeks the warm 
tears were now rolling. "I do forgive you, and I 
pray from my very soul that God may do the same 
for you !” 

^^You do? O, do you? Do 3^011 pra}^ that God 
may forgive me ? O, tell me that once more !” 

Yes, 3^es — I do pra^^ so,” returned Olivia, almost 
frightened by the sudden and vehement manner of the 
old man. 

Then,” uttered Trevett, letting go the maiden’s 
hand, and sinking back upon his pillow, '' I hope that 
God may grant your pra^^er.” 

^'Ainen I” uttered Edward. The, old man started and 
opened his eyes. They rested upon the 3^outh, and a 
grateful look passed over the pallid features. His lips 
moved ; the name of the Diety dwelt half uttered upon 
them. He looked not so happy as he did when the 
visitors first came ; but 3^et he looked far from unhappy. 
Edward bent over and took his hand, but it was cold 
and lead-like. 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


201 


Olivia/^ he whispered as he turned to his sister 
and drew her away, he is free from all earthly tri- 
bunals. He is now before that Judge who holds eter- 
nity at his sentence. O, what a scene is that for him 
who would court the demon Sin ! Ah, my sister, I wish 
every soul to whom the tempter may come could dwell 
for a while upon the ordeal we have just witnessed/’ 

^ ^ 4 : ^ % 

It was a clear, cold evening in early Spring. The 
British had evacuated Boston, and the patriot army 
now held possession of the city. In all quarters there 
were glad hearts, and from a thousand hearthstones 
the song of praise was going up to heaven. The first 
great step towards American liberty had been gained. 
Eleven thousand men, all trained to war, and led by 
experienced officers, had been driven out of their 
stronghold, and no wonder that American hearts were 
strong and hopeful. 

In one of the mansions on Tremont Street, were as- 
sembled a select party — because all the members of it 
were particularly invited guests, and not because it 
was composed entirely of gentility. No, no— for in 
some of those large drawing-rooms we detect the rough, 
hard^^ forms of weather-beaten seamen ; and their full 
voices are not hushed for fear of offending delicate 
ears. 

Suddenly there was a magic word given to the air, 
and every voice was hushed. Up through one of the 


202 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME? 


large rooms walked Tj stately form. It was a man, 
yet in the vigor of manhood, and all hearts beat more 
deeply- as he passed on. His countenance was radiant 
with joy, and his smile made all light about him. 
When he reached the head of the room he stopped. It 
was near the spot where stood Vincent Gray ancK 
Olivia Wellington. 

Captain Graj^^^ said the noble-looking man, '‘I 
have come to participate in the joy of this occasion. 
I would see 3^ou happy, for you deserve it, and 3^our 
country owes it to 3"ou. Come, I long to salute your 
fair bride, and to wish her happiness.'’'’ 

In few brief moments Vincent and Olivia were made 
man and wife ; but yet no murmur of joy had broken 
forth from the assembled multitude. The^^ were 
awaiting the movements of the man just taking the 
hand of the blushing, trembling bride. 

Fair lady,’’ the august person said, I wish you 
joy. You have got a noble husband ; and if he but 
shows you half the love he has shown for his suffering 
country, you will be happy indeed. God bless you 
both!” 

God bless George Washington !”.at this momer.t 
cried out Obadiah Durkee. 

A hundred glad voices burst simultaneously foi th 
in one great shout of joy. Washington gazed r.roirr-l 
for a moment, and then big tears rolled down his 
cheeks. 

Noble friends,” he said, in a tone tremulous by 
emotion, I accept your heart-gifts. Ilemember that 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


203 


we hold the pen of the future in our hands. Let us 
write, in characters that the world can read and ap- 
preciate, ^American Independence F As Wash- 
ington ceased speaking there was a hushed silence in 
that room. All eyes were turned upon his inspired 
features. But the spell was at length broken by Ed- 
ward Wellington. 

Vincent,” he said, grasping his new made brother 
by the hand, ^^froni this time forth my heart and my 
fortune shall be pledged in the sacred cause of Ameri- 
can-Liberty. God help me to do my duty !” 

A few more words, reader, and we have done with 
you for the present. The patriot cruiser maintained 
her noble station throughout the whole of the long 
war — and it was not until the bells of liberty had rang 
their peals through the land that Vincent Gray settled 
down upon the shore with his fond and lovely wife. 
They had been separated some, but the noble duties 
that the husband had fulfilled were real treasures to 
the noble wife, and their after life was all the brighter 
therefor. Edward was settled with them, and he was 
still the noble, generous brother. 

Durkee, Powell, and the rest of the fishermen 
returned to their homes in Swampscott, all of them 
alive and well. And Ithernar — he commanded a noble 
ship, owned by Edward Wellington and Vincent 
Gray. 

There is one more person who deserves our notice — 
Jonas Pool. He was fortunate enough to read the 
warning he had before it was too date to profit by it. 


204 


CAN YOU FORGIVE ME ? 


The ten golden guineas he had returned to Vincent 
Gray marked the turn-point in his life. He was one of 
those who have lived to see, by experience, that true 
happiness is a treasure possessed only by those who 
can draw it uo out of a pure and virtuous soul. 


THE END. 


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Every Mechanic, Every Workman, Every Book-keeper, Every Tradesman, 
Every Machinist, Every Clerk, Every Investor, Every Land Owner, Every 
Housekeeper, Every Professional Man, Every Letter Writer, Every Patentee, 
Every Author, in fact no person who can read the English language should be 
without a copy of it. Bound in limp cloth, 25 cejtis ; heavy silk cloth, 
50 cents. 

Send 25 Cents at once for a sample copy and agents terms. 

It contains about 250 pages and is for sale by every newsdealer and book- 
seller in the United States, and on all trains, or it will be sent by mail, postpaid, 
on receipt of price, by 

J. S. OGIIvVIE, PUBIvISHECR, 

67 Rose Street, New York. 



P. O. Box 3767, 


4 





A COMPLETE STORY IN EACH NUMBER. t> 


cenu?^ J. s. OGILYIE, PuWislier, 57 Rose Street, New YorK. 


I desire to call your attention to this new publication offer- 
ing complete stories at the nominal price of five cents each. 

Each number is bound in handsome paper cover and contains 
a complete story by a popular American or English Author, 
among whom are May Agnes Fleming, ‘‘Author of Dora 
Thorne,” Charles Dickens, Charles Reade, Mrs. O. F. Walton, 
‘^Author of A Bad Boy’s Diary,” William Black, Mary Cecil 
Hay. 

The following f^tories {comphie) are in the first six numbers : 


ifo. 1. Fated to Mavry. 

By May Agnes Fleming. 
“ 2. Blunders of a Bashful Man. 

By “ Author of A Bad Boy's 
Diary.” 

“ 3. Ninety-Nine Recitations and 
Readings. 


No. 4. The Lost Bank Note. 

By Mrs. Henry Wood 
“ 5. Wedded and Parted. 

By “ Author of Dora Thorne." 
“ 6. Christie’s Old Organ. 

By Mrs. O. F. Walton. 


All who read choice fiction can at once see the advantage of 
this publication over those which have continued stories from 
week to week or from month to month, as in this publication 
every story is complete, and they are not short sketches, but 
stories which if issued in regular book form would make from 
180 to 350 pages each. Price of eacU number, only 5 
cents. It is issued monthly. Sold by all booksellers and news- 
dealers, or mailed to any address on receipt of price by 


J. S. OGILVIE, Publisher, 

57 «ose Street, ]Sew York. 



A $10.00 BOOR FOR $2.50! 


MOORE’S 



Containing over One Million Industrial Facts, 

CALCULATIONS, PROCESSES, TRADE SECRETS, RULES, LEGAL 
ITEMS, BUSINESS FORMS, etc., iu every Occupation, from tiie 
Houseliold to tiie Manufactory. 


A Tvork ©f unequaled utility to every Mechanic, Farmer, Merchant, 
Business Man, Professional Gentleman, and Houseliolder, as it embraces 
the main points in over 200 Trades and Occupations. It contains 1016 
pages and over 500 illustrations. 

Tlie following synopsis gives some idea of the value and scope of the 
work. The contents are as follows: 

part 1.— Bread, Cracker, Pastry and Cake Baking, Domestic Cooking, etc. 
Part 2.— For Farmers, Horse Shoers, Stock Owners, Be-^ Keepers, etc. 

Part 3.— For Lumbermen, Caiq^enters, Builders. Contractors, Mill Owners, 
Shipbuilders, Ship Owners, Freighters, Nav ’gators, Quarry men. 
Merchants and Business Men generally. 

Part 4.— Natural Mechanical and Scientitic Facts. 

Part 5 — For Dyers, Clothiers, Bleachers, Hatters, Furriers and Manufao^ 
turers. 

Part 6.— Medical Department, for Druggists, Physicians, Dentists, Perfum- 
ers, Barbers, and general Family Use. 

Part 7.— For Grocers, Tobacconists, Confectioners, Salron Keepers, Syrups, 
Cordials, Ice Creams, Summer Drinks, Domestic Wines, Canned 
Goods, Soaps, etc. 

i?art 8.— For Tanners and Curriers, Boot, Shoe, Harness and Rubber Manu« 
facturers. Marble and Ivory Workers, Bookbinders, Anglers, Trap- 
pers, etc. 

Part 9.— For Painters, Decorators, Cabinet Makers, Piano and Organ Man- 
ufacturers, Polishers, Carvers, Gilders, Piriure Frame and Art 
Dealers, China Decorators, Potters, Glass Manufacturers, Glass 
Staiuers and Gilders, Architects, Masons, Brmklayers, Plasterers* 
Stucco Workers, Kalsominers, Slaters, Rooters, etc. 

Part 10.— For Watchmfikers, Jewelers, Gold and Silversmiths, Gilders* 
Burnishers, Oolorers, Enamelers, Lapidavu s, Diamond Cutters* 
Engravers, Die Sinkers, Stencil Cutters, Rctiuers, Sweepmelters. 
Part 11.— For Eiigiueers, Firemen, Engine Builders, Steam Fitters, Master 
Mechanics, Macliinists, Blacksmiths, Cutlers, Locksmiths, Saw, 
Spring, and Safe Manufacturers, Iron and Brass Founders, Mill 
Owners, Miners, etc. 

Part 12.— For Art Workers, Bronzing, Dipping and Lf.cquering, Brass Fin- 
ishers, Hardware Dealers, Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Tinman, Japan* 
ners, etc. 

Part 13 —For Printers and Publisliers^ Gas Companicf and Consumers, Gun 
smiths. Contractors, Quarrymen, Coal DealfL’S, Oil Manufacturcra, 
Sugar Refiners, Paper Manufacturers, Coitcu and Woolen Maiiu 
facturers. Cutlers, Needle aud File Manula( irers, Metal Smelters, 
etc., etc. 

Part 14.— The Amenities of Life, Useful Advice. 

Part 15.— Tables, etc., Embracing Useful Calculatlcri . in every Business. 

Price in Cloth Binding, $2.50; in Leather Binding, $3,50. Standard Ex- 
port Edition, Cloth Binding, $3.00; in Leather, Lettei ed Back and Marbled 
Edges, Library Style, $4.00. 

Sent by mail, iiostpaid, to any address on receipt of price. Agenta 
wanted, to whom we offer big pay. Address all orders- and applications for 
an agency to 

J. S. OGSLViS, Publss2“^r, 

P. O. Box 2767. 57 Rose .S>-i eet, New York. 


THE SCIENCE OF A NEW LIFE. 

BY JOHN COWAN, M. D. 

A Book Well Worth Possessing h7 Every Thoughtful 
Man and Woman. 

Thb ** Science of a TTew Life ” has received the highest testimonials andcom- 
tHendations from leading medical and religious critics; has been heartily endorsed 
by all the leading philanthropists, and recommended to every well-wisher of the 
human race. 

TO ALL WHO ABE MARRIED 

Or are contemplating marriage, it will give information worth HTINDKEDS 0!F 
DOLLARS, besides conferring a lasting benefit, not only upon them, but upon 
their children. Every thinking man and woman should study this work. Any 
person desiring to know more about the book before purchasing it, may send to us 
tor our 16-page descriptive circular, giving full and complete table of contents. 
It will be sent free by mail to any address. The following is the table of con« 
tents. 

Marriage and its advantages; Age at which to marry; The Law of choice; Love 
Analyzed; Qualities the Man Should Avoid in Choosing; Qualities the Woman 
Should Avoid in Choosing; The Anatomy and Physiology of Generation in Wo- 
men; The Anatomy and Physiology of Generation in Man; Amativeness — its 
Use and Abuse; The Prevention of Conception; The Law of Continence; Children 
— Their Desirability; The Law of Genius; The Conception bf a New Life; The 
Physiology of Inter-Uterine Growth; Period of Gestative Inlluence; Pregnancy; 
— Its Signs and Duration; Disorders of Pregnancy; Confinement; Management or 
Mother and Child after Delivery; Period of Nursing Influence; Fceticide; Diseases 
Peculiar to Women; Diseases Peculiar to Men; Masturbation; Sterility; and Im- 
potence; Subjects of which More Might be Said; A Happy Married Life — How 
Secured. 

The book is a handsome 8VO, and contains over 400 PAGES, with more than 
100 ILLUSTRATIONS, and is sold at the following PRICES— ENGLISH CLOTH, 
BEVELED BOARDS, GILT SIDE AND BACK, $3.00; LEATHER, SPRINKLED 
EDGES, $3.50; HALE TURKEY MOROCCO, MARBLED EDGES, GILT BACK, 
$4.00. Sent by mail, post-paid, to any address, on receipt of price. 

COMMENDATIONS. 

“In a careful examination of Dr. Cowan’s SCIENCE OF A NEW LIFE, I 
am prepared to give it my very cordial approval. It deserves to be in every family, 
and read and pondered, as closely relating to the highest moral and physical well- 
being of all Its members The essential remedy for these 

great evils is to be found in Dr. Cowan’s work; therefore, may it be circulated far 
and wide.” William Lloyd Garrison. 

“ As it is easier to generate a race of healthy men and women than to regenerate 
the diseased and discordant humanity we now have, I heartily recommend the stady 
of THE SCIENCE OF A NEW LIFE to every father and mother in the land,” 

Elizabeth Cady Stanton. 

“It seems to ns to be one of the wisest, and purest, and most helpful or those 
Books which have been written in recent years, with the intention of teaching 
Men and Women the Truths about their Bodies, which are of peculiar importance 

to the morals of Society No one can begin to imagine the misery that 

has come upon the human family solely through ignorance upon this subject.” 

The Christian Union. 

If, after reading the above, you wish to get a copy of the book, send us the 
money by Post-office order or registered letter, and we will send it by return mail. 

Agents wanted to whom we offer liberal terms. Send to us at once for our 
confidential terms, and sta.e what territory you can work to advantage. 

Address all orders and applications for an agency to 

J. S. OGILYIE Publisher , 

O. BOX 11707. BOSH STBBMT, NEW XOBK. 


Ogilvie’s Pocket Manual and Universal 

ASSISTANT. 

One Million Useful Facts and Figures. 

IT IS WORTH $5.00 BUT COSTS ONLY ‘25 CENTS. 

The times are peculiarly 
calculated to increase every 
person’s desire to make aud 
save money. New and im- 
proved management of busi- 
ness and financial affairs, 
and economy in daily expen- 
ses of all kinds, are the uni- 
versal study. And almost 
everyone has felt the need— 
the great tind pressing need, 
sometimes— of a concise and 
throughly PRACTl. AL hand 
book, calculated to aid him 
in his plans of thrift and 
management. Especially is 
there a demand for a low- 
priced volume of this charac- 
ter, for the self-education of 
young men and young wo- 
men for the realities of life 
on the farm, and in the 
counting-room, the work- 
shop, and the household. 

To meet this great popu- 
lar want, this valuable work 
has heeix prepared. It is a re- 
markable Dook. It contains 
a larger amount of valuable 
information on practical 
matters., in shape for ready use^ than can be bought in any other form for 
$15.00, yet is sold at only 25 cents. It is invaluable to Every Farmer, 
Every Mechanic, Every Workman, Every Book-keeper, Every Tradesman, 
Every Machinist, Every Clerk, Every Investor, Every Land Owner, Every 
Housekeeper, Every Professional Man, Every Letter Writer, Every Patentee, 
Every Author, in fact no person who can read the English language should be 
without a copy of it. Bound in limp cloth, 25 cents ; heavy silk cloth, 
50 cents. 

Send 25 Cents at once for a sample copy and agents terms. 

It contains about 250 pages and is for sale by every newsdealer and book- 
seller in the United States, and on all trains, or it will be sent by mail, postpaid, 
on receipt of price, by 

J. ©. OGIIvVIK, 

57 Rose Street, New York. 



P. O. Box 2767. 




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